Feb.13

[In alphabetical
order according to First Name] A-C,
D-L,
M-R,
S-U,
Y-Z,
and secondarily by Year of Passing

At the end of each
entry, thanks to Chaya M Mishelovin, the numbers indicate which stories
in the archives the person appears
in.

Rabbi Yisrael-Abba (HaKohen?) Pliskin [of
blessed memory: 5665 (or 5667) - 27 Sivan 5756 (1905 - June 1996] spent
nearly twenty years in hiding from the NKVD (forerunner of the KGB), a
consequence of his absolute dedication to helping Torah-true Jewish education
survive in Communist Russia. He managed to emigrate in 1947, and after
a brief period in Paris went on to be one of the founding fathers of the
highly successful Chabad community it Melbourne, Australia, before eventually
moving to New York and becoming a gabbai (manager) of the "770"
shul and a teacher in the English-language yeshiva for young men without
strong Torah backgrounds. (For
more details) Story #1019 --

Rabbi Aharon ("the Great") of Karlin; (1736- 19 Nissan
1772) was a disciple of Rabbi Dov Ber of Mezritch. He was the pioneer
of Chasidism in Lithuania, as is evidenced by the fact that in contemporary
sources, "Karliner" became a local synonym for "chasid".
He is remembered for the ecstatic and unrestrained fervor of his prayer,
for his solicitude for the needy, and for the moral teachings embodied
in his Azharos ("Warnings"). He was succeeded by his disciple
R. Shlomo of Karlin, after whose death the succession reverted to R. Aharon's
son, R. Asher of Stolin (d. 1823). The dynasty still thrives today; the
Chasidim are known for the volume of their communal prayers. Story # 774,
919 -- see Archives

Rabbi Aharon of Chernobyl (1787- 8 Kislev 1871), eldest son and
successor of Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl, studied closely with his grandfather,
Rabbi Nachum of Chernobyl. He became the Rebbe of thousands of Chasidim
in the Ukraine. Story # 207, 477 -- see Archives

Rabbi Aharon of Belz [1900 - 21 Av 1957], the fourth rebbe in
the Belz dynasty, was considered one of the purest holy men of his generation.
In 1944 he miraculously escaped from the Nazis and moved to Israel, where
after a brief time in Jerusalem he set up his court in Tel Aviv. The current
Belzer Rebbe, who has established a huge center in Jerusalem, is his nephew.
Story # 406, 923 -- see Archives

Rabbi Aharon-Yechiel Leifer [? - 1 Sivan 5760 (? - June 2000 C.E.)],
was born in Bania, Rumania, where his father, Dovid, served as Rebbe,
a descendent of the famous Galitzean dynasty of Nodvorna rebbes. As a
young man he served as the Rabbi of Shatz, his wife's birthplace, also
in Rumania. He arrived in Israel shortly after the war of Liberation in
5708 (1948 C.E.). Previously he had lost an entire family in the Holocaust,
but had married his deceased wife's sister and started a whole new family.
Legendary in Tzefat for his hospitality and kindness to those in need,
his home and shul were a center for Jews of all stripes for fifty-two
years. Beloved equally by Chasidim, Sephardim and Ashkenazim, by Europeans,
Israelis and Americans, his death a little before (or after!) the age
of ninety marked the end of an era in Tzefat. Story # 810 -- see
Archives

Rabbi Akiva Eiger [1761- 13 Tishrei 1837], the chief rabbi of
Posen, Prussia for 23 years, was an acclaimed scholar whose analyses of
and innovative insights into the Gemora are studied in nearly all yeshivas.
Story # 338, 690, 860 -- see Archives

Ari Halberstam [of blessed memory:19 Iyar 5738 - 23 Adar 5754
(May 1978 - March 1994 CE)] was in a van filled with other Chabad teenagers
headed home from Manhattan when he was tragically shot to death on the
ramp to the Brooklyn Bridge by a Lebanese-born Muslim terrorist. The ramp
was renamed by the NYC government to "Ari Halberstam Memorial Ramp"
and a succession of signs there testify to his martyrdom. Aas a child,
Ari shared a special bond with the Lubavitcher Rebbe and his wife. At
three years old, he sat on the Rebbe's lap as the Rebbe taught him the
first letters of the aleph-bet. Mrs. Schneerson was particularly close
to Ari, and was known to treat him as the grandson she never had.

Rabbi Aryeh Leib [of blessed memory: ?-6 Tishrei 1811 (?-Sept.
5570 C.E.)], known as the Shpoler Zeide ('grandfather'-a
nickname given to him by the Baal Shem Tov at his circumcision),
is famed as a miracle worker and devoted to the succor of poor Jews in
distress. In his early years, he was a disciple of Rabbi Pinchas of
Koretz, a leading figure in the first generation of chassidim.The
Lubavitcher Rebbe stated the possibility that the Shpoler Zeide and Rabbi
Leib Sarah's are the same person. Story # 138, 177, 359, 430, 588,
594, 770 -- see Archives

Rabbi
Asher-Yeshaya (Rubin) of Ropshitz (?-1845 or 1855) was the son-in-law of Rabbi
Naftali of Ropshitz, whom he succeeded as Rebbe. He authored Or Yeshai.

Rabbi Avraham Dov Auerbach of Avritch [1765-12 Kislev 1840], a
Rebbe in Europe for forty years and in Tsfat for ten, was a disciple of
Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev and of the first two Rebbes of
the Chernobyl dynasty. One of his disciples was Rabbi Shmuel Heller,
the chief rabbi of Zefat for over half a century. His famous book, Bas
Ayin, was written in Europe, but he refused to allow it to be printed
until he could 'expose' it to the air of the Holy Land and refine it there.
His meeting with the philanthropist Sir Moses Montifiore in 1840 led to
the beginning of modern Jewish agricultural settlement in Israel. He is
buried in the old cemetery of Tsfat. Story # 143,215, 397, 528, 993 --
see Archives

Rabbi Avraham Azuli (1570-1643), authored the well-known Kabbala
work, Chesed l'Avraham. He is the grandfather of one of the most
famous Sephardic sages ever, the Chida (Rabbi Chaim Yosef David
Azulai, 1724-1806). Story # 365 -- see Archives

Rabbi Avraham the Malach ("the Angel") (1739-
12 Tishrei 1776). Son of Rabbi Dov Ber (the Maggid) of Mezritch. While
still a young man he committed to an ascetic and secluded lifestyle. Upon
his father's passing in 1772 he declined to assume leadership of the chassidic
movement, even though he was held in high esteem by all of hisfather's
main disciples. He wrote a work entitled Chesed L'Avraham. His
son, R. Shlomo Shachna of Probisht, was the father of the famed Chasidic
leader, Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin. Story # 292, 594, 715, 729 --
see Archives

Rabbi Avraham Landau of Chechanov[1784 - 5 Adar 1875], a disciple
of R. Fishel of Strikov and R. Simcha Bunim Of Pesishcha, was a renowned
scholar and rabbinical judge. He served as Rav and Rebbe in his community
for 56 years, refusing all offers to serve in larger, more prestigious
posts. He authored _Zechuta d'Avraham, Ahavas Chesed_, and many others.
In 1943 his grave was dug up, and his body and even his burial shrouds
were completely intact! Story #618 -- see Archives

Rabbi Avraham of Trisk (1802 - 2 Tammuz 1889) was one of eight
sons of Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl. was one of the eight sons of Rabbi
Mordechai of Chernobyl, all of whom became chasidic rebbes in their own
right. In addition to being wee known because of the success of his blessings,
his approachability and friendliness to all comers drew thousands of Chassidim
to the court which he conducted for some fifty (50!) years at Trisk. His
book, Magen Avraham on the Torah and festivals, enjoys great popularity
among Chasidim, and among ywshiva students for whom it offers many guidelines.
Story # 499, 598, 309, 633 -- see Archives

Rabbi Avraham Wienberg, the Slonimer Rebbe [1804-11
Cheshvan 1883], was active in the spread of the Chasidic movement in Lithuania,
the stronghold of the opposition to the Chasidism. He was also a main organizer
of support for the religious communities in the Holy Land. His books include Chesed
L"Avraham, a deep mystical work, and Be'er Avraham on the Mechilta.

Rabbi Avraham Benyamin Schreiber [1 Adar 5575- 19 Tevet 5632 (March
1, 1815 - Dec. 1871 C.E.)], known as the Ksav Sofer - after
the title of halachic responsa , was the son of the illustrious Torah
giant, the Chatam Sofer, Rabbi Moshe Shreiber (5522-5599 / 1762-1839
C.E.), and his successor as the head of the Pressburg Yeshiva, the most
prestigious in the Austrian-Hungarian empire and the largest in all of
Europe. Story # 125, 145, 228, 700 -- see Archives

Rabbi Avraham Bornstein of Sochatchov [5600 - 11 Adar 5670 (October
14, 1839 - February 1910 C.E.)] was a descendant of the Ramah and
the Shach. Years before his bar mitzvah he was recognized as a
Torah genius. At age 13, he married a daughter of the Kotzker Rebbe, with
whom he learned almost daily for nearly 7 years, until the latter's death,
whereupon he became a follower first of his uncle, R. Yitzchak-Meir of
Ger, and then of R. Chanoch-Henech of Alexander. Already a leading authority
in Jewish law, in 1883 he became the rebbe of thousands of chasidim and
the founder of the Sochatchover dynasty. His writings include the classic,
Avnei Nezer (seven volumes of posthumously-published responsa),
and Eglei Tal (on the laws of Shabbat). He was succeeded by his
only son, R. Shmuel (1856-1926), author of Shem MiShmuel. Story
# 951 -- see Archives

Rabbi Avraham Mattisyahu Fridman of Shtefanesht [1848 - 21 Tamuz
1933], in Romania, was the grandson of the holy Rabbi Yisroel of Rhzhin.
He succeeded his father, Rabbi Menachem Nochum, to be the second Rebbe
in the dynasty, in 1869. While famed for his miraculous powers and having
thousands of followers and admirers, he was also considered one of the
true hidden tzadikim of his generation. In 1969 his remains -- which witnesses
alive today testify were still as whole and fresh as the day he died!
-- were exhumed and transferred from Romania to Nachlas Yitzchok in Tel
Aviv, where his grave is still a holy site of prayer for thousands of
Jews. Story #556 -- see Archives

Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Alter (1866 - 6 Sivan 1948), the son of
the Sfas Emmes, was the third Rebbe in the Gur dynasty. He was
the spiritual leader of over 250,000 Chassidim in pre-WW II Poland. In
1940, he managed to escape with three of his sons to Israel (then Palestine),
although the vast majority of his followers did not survive. He began
to rebuild the Gerrer community in Jerusalem, but he died there during
the siege of Jerusalem on Shavuos, 1948. He was known as the Imrei
Emmes, after the title of his major book. Story #1026 -- see Archives

Rabbi Avraham Shalom Halberstam, a descendant of the Divrei
Yehezkiel, son of the Divrei Chayim of Sanz, is the present
day Stropkov Rebbe in Jerusalem, living in Meah She'arim. He runs
several yeshivas and kolels in Jerusalem and other cities in Israel. He
is known for devoting himself to helping many who need to return to their
Jewish roots.

Rabbi Avraham Yaakov Friedman (20 Cheshvan 1819-11 Elul 1883),
the first of the Sadigorer dynasty, was the second son and successor
of his famous father, the holy Rabbi Yisrael of Rhyzhin (1797-1850), who
passed away in Sadigora. His elder son, Yitzchak (1849-1917), became the
first Boyanner Rebbe. His younger son, Yisrael (1853-1907), succeeded
him in Sadigora as the rebbe of tens of thousands. Story #305, 535, 550,
672 -- see Archives

Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heschel [of blessed memory: 5515 - 5 Nissan
5585 (1755-March 1825 C.E.)] the Apter Rebbe, was a main disciple
of the Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhinsk. He is also often referred to as "the
Ohev Yisrael," both after the title of the famous book of
his teachings, and also because its meaning ( "Lover of Jews")
fits him so aptly.The Kapishnitzer Chasidic dynasty descends from him.
Story #193. 231, 245, 333, 383, 388, 470, 521, 541, 696, 1008, 1058
-- see Archives

Rabbi Avrohom Yehoshua Heschel of Kopischnitz [4 Iyar 1888 - 16
Tammuz 1967], a great-grandson of the Ruzhiner Rebbe on his mother's side,
was named after his paternal ancestor, the Apter Rebbe. After WWI he moved
to Vienna and after WWII to New York on the Lower East Side. Wherever
he lived he was renowned for his supreme kindness and great ahavas
Yisroel (love of ones fellow Jew). His dedication to refugees of the
wars was especially extraordinary. In Israel, he opened an orphanage in
Petach Tikveh, called Beit Avraham, which exists until this day. Story
# 475 -- see Archives

Rabbi Avrohom-Yitzchok Kohn (5674 [in Tsfat!]- 27 Kislev 5757/1914
- Chanukah 1996) was the second Toldos Aharon Rebbe and son-in-law of
Rabbi Aharon "Areleh" Roth, founder of the dynasty. He is the
author of Divrei Emunah. Four of his many sons are rebbes today.
[It is recorded that he instructed his followers to study several of the
printed works of Rabbi Aharon HaLevi Horowitz of Strashelye (1766-1828),
who was a leading disciple of the first Rebbe of Chabad, Rabbi Shneur
Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812), and, I've been told by a few of his chasidim,
other teachings of Rabbi Shneur Zalman as well.] Story 1000--see Archives

Rabbi Benyamin (ben Menachem Mendel) Mendelson [?-24 Iyar
5739 (?-May 1979 C.E.)] was born in Plotzk, Poland. He emigrated to Israel
after WWII, where he became the founding rabbi of Komemiyut, a religious
moshav in the south, which under his guidance and rabbinical leadership
became one of the first settlements to observe all the biblical and rabbinical
agricultural laws which apply to the Holy Land. He is still is considered
a foremost authority on the laws of the Sabbatical Year. Story #168, 546--
see Archives

Rabbi Ben Zion Halberstam of Bobov (1874- 4 Menachem Av 1941)
at age thirty-one succeeded his father, the first of the dynasty, as Rebbe
of Bobov. He is often referred to as the Kedushas Tzion, after the commentary
on the Torah that he wrote. He was murdered by the Nazis in 1941. His
successor was his son Rabbi Shlomo Halberstam (1907-2000), who rebuilt
Bobov in the United States. Story #659, 764 -- see Archives

Rabbi Boruch of Kosov* [? - 13 Cheshvan 5543 (? - Oct. 1782 C.E.)],
an important disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch, and of R. Menachem Mendel
of Vitebsk, worked actively to propagate and publicize the ways and teachings
of Chassidism. He is the author of "Yesod HaEmunah" and
"Amud HaAvoda." Story #237 -- see Archives*Not to be confused with Rabbi
Menachem Mendel of Kosov, founder of the Vihznitz and Kosov dynasties.

Rabbi Boruch of Mezhibuz [1753 - 18 Kislev, 1811] was the son
of R. Yechiel Ashkenazi and Adel, the daughter of the Baal Shem Tov.He
moved from Tulchin to assume the Chasidic leadership in Mezhibuz, the
town of his holy grandfather. He was one of the pre-eminent Rebbes in
the generation of the disciples of the Maggid of Mezritch and had thousands
of Chassidim. Story #140, 166, 588 -- see Archives

Rabbi Chaim (ben Moshe) Ibn Atar (1696 - 15 Tammuz 1743)
is best known as the author of one of the most important and popular commentaries
on the Torah: the Ohr HaChaim. He established a major yeshiva
in Israel, after moving there from Morocco. Chassidic tradition is that
the main reason the Baal Shem Tov twice tried so hard (and failed) to
get to the Holy Land was that he said if he could join the Ohr HaChaim
there, together they could bring Moshiach. His burial site outside the
Old City of Jerusalem, on the Mount of Olives, is considered a propitious
place to pray. Story #274, 451, 606, 651, 657, 712, 813, 868, 1022
-- see Archives

Rabbi Chaim Toledano [(of blessed memory: circa. 5460-5543 (1700-1783
C.E.)] was the Rabbi of Sali in Morocco in the generation after
the Ohr HaChaim left for Israel. In the book Tehila l'David
he is described as being "the glorious adornment of the sages...pleasing
to G-d and man." Story #161 -- see Archives

Rabbi Chaim-Yosef-David Azulai (circa 5484-5566; 1724-1806), better
known as the "Chida," which are the initials of
his name, is a highly respected Halachist, Kabbalist, historian and bibliographer.
Born in Jerusalem, his teachers included Rav Shalom Sharabi [the Rashash],
and Rav Chaim ben-Atar (the Ohr HaChaim). Eventually he wrote and published
71 works! His Shem HaGedolim is one of the most important source
books of Jewish literature and history. Several times he traveled abroad
for periods of over five years each, usually as an emissary of the communities
of the Holy Land, and once to serve as the Rav of Cairo. He lived the
last third of his life in Livorno (Leghorn), Italy, where he wrote most
of his major works and where he passed away at age 82 and was buried.
Story #708 -- see Archives

Rabbi Hayyim Pinto Hagadol ("the Great") [Tammuz 15,
5509 - Elul 26, 5605 (July 1, 1749 - September 28, 1845)], a descendant
of Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto--the "Rif" of Ein Yaakov--was born
in Agadir, Morocco on the 6th Hilula of Rabbi Hayyim Ben Attar. At age
20, he became the head rabbinical judge in Mogador, exercising this function
for more than 70 years. The greatest Torah scholars of the generation
esteemed him, and Jews and Muslims alike venerated him. It is said that
Eliyahu Hanavi revealed himself regularly to him and studied with him.
On the day of his passing, at age 96, he promised his disciples that those
who would invoke his name on the day of his Hilula would see their prayers
answered. Story #877 -- see Archives

Rabbi Chaim Tirar of Chernowitz [5520 - - 27 Kislev 5577 (1760
- December 1817 C.E.)] was a leading disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch
and of Rabbi Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov. He authored a number of important
books, including Siduro Shel Shabbat, which explains the exaltedness
and holiness of the Seventh Day according to mystical principles of Kabbalah,
but is best known for -and by!-- the name of his esoteric commentary on
the Torah, Be'er Mayim Chaim. Towards the end of his life he moved
to Safed, where he is buried. Story #246 -- see Archives

Rabbi Chaim Hager of Kosov (1768 - 25 Iyar 1854) succeeded his
father, R. Menachem Mendel, as Rav and Rebbe in Kossov in 1827. He is
the author of Toras Chayim. A prominent synagogue in Tsfat is named
after him. His son, Menachem Mendel, became the first Rebbe in Vishnitz.
Story #704, 828 -- see Archives

Rabbi Chaim Halberstam of Sanz [25 Nissan 5553 - 25 Nissan 5636
(April 1793-April 1876 C.E.)] was the first Rebbe of the Sanz-Klausenberg
dynasty. He is famous for his extraordinary dedication to the mitzvah
of tzedaka and also as a renowned Torah scholar; his voluminous
and wide-ranging writings were all published under the title Divrei
Chaim. His eldest son founded the famous Sanzer synagogue in Tsfat
in the middle 1800's. Story #281, 438, 457, 463, 487, 492, 503, 507, 801,
833, 891, 896, 1064-- see Archives

Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin [8 Sivan 5509 - 14 Sivan 5581 (June 1749
- June 1821 c.e.)] was the main disciple of the Gaon of Vilna, who selected
him to establish a yeshiva in 1802. The Volozhin Yeshiva became the most
important and most influential in Lithuania. His major work is the Nefesh
Ha-Chaim (perhaps inspired, some say, by the popularity of Tanya), dealing
with complex spiritual issues. Story #537, 932, 987-- see Archives

Rabbi Chaim Meir Yechiel Shapira of Mogelnitz [?-5 Iyar 5609 (?
- May 1849 C.E.] was raised and taught by his maternal grandfather, the
Koznitzer Maggid. He married the granddaughter of the Rebbe
R. Elimelech of Lyzhinsk. He was also the disciple of four leading
figures of his generation: the rebbes of Lublin, Pesichah, Apta, and
Ruzhin.

Rabbi Chaim Chizkiya Medini [1832 - 24 Kislev 1904] was born and
raised in Jerusalem. After many years in Turkey, Buchara and the Crimea,
he returned to the Holy Land in 1878 and became the head of the rabbinical
court and main yeshiva in Hebron in 1880, where he successfully
revitalized the Jewish educational and social institutions. He is best
known for his monumental, universally-acclaimed 18-volume Talmudic and
halachic encyclopedia, S'dei Chemed (the only non-Chabad book ever
published by the official Chabad publishing company). Even the Arab inhabitants
of Hebron accepted him as a holy man. After his burial they tried to steal
his body and bury him in a mosque, but were unsuccessful. Story #316,
493, 519, 860-- see Archives

Rabbi Chaim (Ben Baruch) Of Antunia [1863 - 25 Kislev 1931],
had many followers. He also served as the head of the Bukaviner Kollel.
Many of his teachings are published in "Tal Chaim." Story #173
-- see Archives

Rabbi Chaim-Elazar Spira, the Munkaczer Rebbe (Dec 17,
1871- 2 Sivan, 1937) wrote and published over twenty books on the Jewish
Law, Torah, chasidism, and religious philosophy and customs. His most
notable work which made him world famous was the scholarly work, Minchas
Elazar, which contains six volumes. Story #193, 287, 696, 759, 860,
878 -- see Archives

Rabbi Chaim-Meir Hagar, the Imrei Chaim of Vizhnitz [15 Kislev
5648 - 9 Nissan 5732 (Dec. 1887 - April 1972)], after the Holocaust moved
to Bnai Brak in Israel where he established the post-war Vizhnitz community.
He also became one of the main rabbinical leaders of Agudat Yisrael in
Israel. Upon his passing, his two sons, Moshe-Yehoshua and Mordechai,
became the Vizhnitz Rebbes in Bnai Brak and Monsey, NY respectively. Three
of his Bnai Brak granddaughters are married to the current Rebbes of Skver,
Belz, and Satmar. Story #996, 1057-- see
Archives

Rabbi Chaim Zanvil Abramowitz (1890's-24 Tishrei, 1995), the Ribnitzer
Rebbe, was a main disciple of Rabbi Avrohom Matisyohu of Shtefanesht,
grandson of the "holy Rhyzhiner." The Ribnitzer was aacknowledged
by all Jews across the spectrum as a renowned performer of miracles. After
emigrating from Russia in 1973, he subsequently lived in Jerusalem and
Monsey, NY. It is known that from the 1930s until the end of his life
he fasted on all days when it is permitted to do so under Jewish law.
Story #515, 556-- see Archives

Rebbetzin Chaya "Moussia" Schneerson (25 Adar 5661-
22 Shvat 5748 / March 1901- Feb. 1988 C.E.) was the daughter of the sixth
Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef-Yitzchak Schneersohn. On 14 Kislev 5689
(Dec. 1928 C.E.), She married the next-Rebbe-to-be, her distant cousin,
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (5662-5754/1902=1994 C.E.), in Warsaw,
in a wedding attended by many Chasidic rebbes and leading Torah scholars
of the generation. She devoted herself totally to supporting her husband
in his role as a leader of world Jewry, and was known in her own right
for her modesty, eruditeness and plethora of good deeds. Story #600, 636,
843-- see Archives

Rabbi David Twerski of Tolna [of blessed memory:
? - 10 Iyar 5642 (? - 1808 - May 1882 C.E.], son of the famed tzadik,
Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl, had thousands of chasidim that relied on
his leadership. His works include Magen David. There is a Tolner
Shul in Safed even today. Story #267 -- see Archives

Rabbi David Moshe Friedman (20 Cheshvan 1828-21 Tishrei 1903),
the first Chortkover Rebbe, was the fifth of the holy six sons
of the famed R. Yisrael of Rhyzhin (1797-1850), who attracted a large
following after the death of his father. He is the author of Divrei Dovid.
Story #985 -- see Archives

Rabbi David Biederman of Lelov (1746 - 7
Shvat 1814) was a close follower of the "Seer" of Lublin. He was known
for his extraordinary compassion for, and inability to see faults in, his fellow
Jews. His main disciple was Rabbi Yitzchak of Vorki, whose son, Yaakov David,
was the first Amshinov Rebbe. Two printed collections of stories about him are
Migdal David and Kodesh Halulim.

Rabbi David Zvi Shlomo Biederman (1844-5 Elul 1918) was one of
the most respected rabbinical figures in old Jerusalem through World War
I, and the leader of its Chassidic community. He was the official head
of Kollel Warsaw, and in 1883 succeeded his father as Lelover Rebbe.
Story #233 -- see Archives

Rabbi David of Zubeltov (1797 -
25 Iyar 1846) was the son of Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Kosov and the son-in-law
of Rabbi Moshe Leib of Sassov. He became a rebbe in his own right at the young
age of 29. He was held in great respect for his wisdom, even by the other rebbes
of his generation.

Rabbi Dov Ber [c.5460 - 19 Kislev 5533 (c.1700- Dec. 1772 C.E.)],
the son of Avraham and Chava, known as the Maggid of Mezritch, succeeded
his master, the Baal Shem Tov, as the head of the Chasidic movement.
Most of the leading chasidic dynasties stem from his disciples and his
descendents. The classic anthologies of his teachings are Likutei Amarim
and Torah Ohr (combined by Kehos Publishing as Maggid Devorav
l'Yaakov), and Ohr HaEmmes. Story #111, 191, 263, 369, 415,
422, 497, 523, 753, 807, 862, 889,997, 1058, 1079 -- see Archives

Rabbi DovBer Shneuri [9 Kislev 1773 - 9 Kislev 1827] was the eldest
son and successor to Rabbi Shneur Zalman, founder of the Chabad movement.
The author of numerous deep, mystical texts, he is known in Lubavitch
circles as "the Mittler (Middle) Rebbe." Story #320, 368, 595,
620, 1042, 1047-- see Archives

Rabbi Dov-Berisch Weidenfeld, [of blessed memory: 5 Shevat 5641
- 10 Mar-cheshvan, 5726 (January 1881-October 1965 BCE)], the "Tchebiner
Rav," served as the chief rabbi of Tchebin, Poland, until World
War II when he was exiled to Siberia and from there to Bucharest. After
the Holocaust, he came to Israel, where he was immediately accepted as
one of the Torah giants of the generation. Soon after he re-established
his yeshiva, Kochav MiYaakov, in Jerusalem. Three volumes of his great
work, Sheilos Uteshuvos Dovev Meishorim, have been published. Many more
were lost in the war. Story #598, 929-- see Archives

Rabbi Eliezer Ascari (1533-1600), a disciple of the Ramak (Rabbi
Moshe Cordevero), subsequently became famous as the author of Sefer Chareidim.
He also authored a commentary on the tractate of Brachot in the Jerusalem
Talmud, and is the composer of the popular Shabbat prayer-hymn: Yedid
Nefesh. Story #547 -- see Archives

Rabbi Elazar Menachem-Mendel (ben Moshe Biderman) of Lelov
(1827 - 16 Adar 1883), moved to Israel at age 24 with his father in 1841.
After his father passed away that same year, he became the chasidic leader
of the Jerusalem Old City community for the next 42 years, and was also
highly respected by all the non-chasidim as well. Story #589 --
see Archives

Rabbi Elazar of Reishe (1839-15 Tamuz 1910), a city in Galicia,
Poland, was a great-grandson of the Rebbe Elimelech of Lyzhinsk. He was
best known for miraculous healings, and for his book, Mishna Lemelech,
on the weekly Torah readings. Story #646 -- see Archives

Rebbe Eliezer Zusia Portugal [1 Cheshvan, 1898 - 29 Av 1982],
the Skulener Rebbe, immigrated to the USA in 1960, after
imprisonment in Rumania and international efforts to secure his release.
He is the author of Noam Eliezer and Kedushas Eliezer, and
was a prominent follower of the Shtefaneshter Rebbe, but is best known
for his superhuman efforts to rescue Jewish orphans and refugees in Eastern
Europe before, during and after WWII and his continuing support of them,
and his Chessed L'Avraham network of schools for children that
continue until today. Those who merited to be in his presence were astonished
by the length of his prayers and the beauty and intensity of the tunes
that he composed, many of which have become internationally famous today.
Story #129,556, 561, 613, 1028, 1078-- see Archives

Rabbi Elimelech of Lyzhinsk [5477 - 21 Adar 5547 (1717 - March
1787 C.E.)], was a major disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch, successor
to the Baal Shem Tov, and the leading Rebbe of the subsequent generation
in Poland-Galitzia. Most of the great Chassidic dynasties stem from his
disciples. His book, Noam Elimelech, is one of the most popular
of all Chassidic works. Story #148, 160, 252, 256, 333, 335, 697, 382,
435, 478, 486, 691, 746, 790, 896, 902, 979, 1006, 1017, 1057, 1058
-- see Archives

Rabbi Eliyahu Hakohen of Izmir, Turkey [1650 - 1 Adar B 1729],
is best known as the author of Shevet Mussar, a major work
of Torah ethics and morality. He also wrote Midrash Talpiot. In the historical
work, Shem HaGedolim, it states, "Rabbi Eliyahu HaKohen of Izmir
wrote almost 40 books and turned many away from sin with his public lectures."
Story #776-- see Archives

Rabbi Eliyahu Kramer, the Gaon of Vilna (1720 - 19 Tishrei 1797)
was one of the most prominent figures in the Torah world of recent centuries,
his erudition covered the entire field of Torah scholarship (as well as
natural sciences and mathematics) on which he wrote some 70 works. Despite
his extreme seclusion - his ascetic assiduity has become proverbial -
he exerted a powerful influence on Jewish affairs. Story #340, 479, 523--
see Archives

Rabbi Eliyahu Yosef of Drivin [? - 12 Tammuz 5607 (1847 C.E.)]
was one of the elder disciples of Rabbi Dov Ber, the second Rebbe of the
Chabad dynasty, and subsequently of his successor, the Tzemach Tzedek,
both of whom used to send students to learn Chasidic philosophy from him.
He was also a prodigious scholar of Talmud and Jewish Law. Before moving
to Jerusalem in 1847, he served as chief rabbi of Polotzk, a major Jewish
community.

Rabbi Feivish (Meshulam Feivish) HaLevi of Zabriza (Zebariz) studied
under R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov and R. Dov Ber of Mezritch. He was
an authority on the laws of writing Torah scrolls. His disciples included
R. Menachem Mendel of Kosov. His Yosher Divrei Emes is a basic
work on chasidic thought, and his teachings appear also in Likutim
Yekarim. Story #371 -- see Archives

Rabbi Fischel ("Fisheleh") Shapira of Strickov (1743
- 17 Tevet 1822) was a disciple successively of the Magid of Mezritch,
the Rebbe Elimelech and the Seer of Lublin. He was known for his extreme
modesty and humility. His colleagues referred to him as "Oleh Temimah"
- "the unblemished offering. Story #325 -- see Archives

Rebbetzin Freyda [1764 - 16 Sivan 1813], the daughter of Rabbi
Shneur Zalman, was an erudite and pious woman. As his first-born, and
a special soul, she was especially dear to her father and he would frequently
deliver Chasidic discourses just for her. One of her sons, Rabbi Aharon
Zaslavski of Kremenchug, married Rebbetzin Chaya, the daughter of Rabbi
Nachman of Breslov. Story #497, 652 -- see Archives

Rabbi Gershon of Kitov [? - ca.1760] was the brother-in-law of
the Baal Shem Tov and subsequently an important disciple. He was the recipient
of the famous letter from the Besht about his visit to the heavenly abode
of Moshiach, as well as other important correspondence. In 1747 he moved
to the Land of Israel, living first in Hebron and then in Jerusalem. Story
#414 -- see Archives

Rabbi Gedaliah-Moshe Goldman [5627 - 24 Cheshvan 5709 (1887 -
Oct. 1948 C.E.)], a direct paternal descendant of Rabbi Yechiel-Michil
of Zolochov, an important student of the Baal Shem Tov, joined his father,
Rabbi Shlomo ("Reb Shlom'ke") Goodman (? - 26 Iyar 1945), in
the Holy Land in 1937, after eight years in Siberian exile. He succeeded
him as Rebbe of of Zivhil for only a few years until his own passing.Story #1015 -- see Archives

Rabbi Hillel of Paritsh (1795-13 Av/Shabbat Nachamu 1864)
was a chassid of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, the Tsemach Tsedek,
and as the chassidim used to say, "half a rebbe" in his own
right. He served as the Rabbi of Bobruisk for many years, and authored
Pelach HaRimon, a work of deep chassidic thought. Story #269, 737
-- see Archives

Rabbi Klonymos Kalman Halevi Epstein [? - Tammuz 1, 5587 (? -
July 1823 C.E.)], better known as the Maor Vashemesh ("Light
and Sun"), the title of his mystical Torah commentary, was among
the most celebrated of the followers of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk. The
Seer of Lublin said that R' Klonymos was the reincarnation of the Tana
Rabbi Eliezer ben Charsom, who was a Kohen Gadol (high priest) during
the Second Temple. In 1785 he started heading the Jewish community of
Cracow. At the end of his life he moved to the Holy Land. He is buried
in the old cemetery of Tsfat.

Rabbi Leib Sarah's [5490 - 4 Adar I 5556 (1730 - Feb. 1796 C.E.)]
was held in high esteem by the Baal Shem Tov. One of the "hidden
tzaddikim," he spent his life wandering from place to place to raise
money for the ransoming of imprisoned Jews and the support of other hidden
tzaddikim. The Lubavitcher Rebbe stated the possibility that Rabbi Leib
Sarah's and the Shpoler Zeide are the same person. Story #155,
226/744, 344, 447, 483 -- see Archives

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak (Deberamdiger) of Berditchev [5500
- 25 Tishrei 5571 (1740 - Oct. 1810)] is one of the most popular rebbes
in chassidic history. He was a close disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch.
He is best known for his love for every Jew and his active efforts to
intercede for them against (seemingly) adverse heavenly decrees. Many
of his teachings are contained in the posthumously published, Kedushat
Levi. Story #101, 140, 157, 193, 255, 259, 306, 314, 353, 358, 363,
402, 406, 409, 418, 444, 460, 465, 477, 522, 541, 549, 569, 575, 588,
620, 668, 696, 790, 937, 990, 1036, 1058, 1086 -- see Archives

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson [1878-20 Av 1944], father of the
Lubavitcher Rebbe, was considered by the Rebbe Reshab to be one
of his three greatest chassidim. An outstanding scholar and one of the
leading Kabbalists of the first half of the 20th century, he was the Chief
Rabbi of Yekaterinoslav (a major Ukrainian city, today called Dniepropetrovsk)
until his arrest on the day before Passover in 1939. He was sentenced
to exile in Kazakhstan, in the village of Chi'ili, where his health rapidly
deteriorated. His extensive writings while in exile crammed into the margins
of his books, were rescued, smuggled out, and brought to his son in Brooklyn.
A number of volumes in the projected multi-volume set called Toldot
Levi Yitzchak have already been published. Story #199 -- see
Archives

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Horowitz, the Bostoner Rebbe (1921 
18 Kislev 2009), a direct descendent of Rabbi Shmuel-Shmelke of Nicholsburg,
led two communities: in Boston and in the Har Nof district of Jerusalem.
He was known for the vast help he has extended to people in medical emergency
situations, and his open, friendly nature that made him beloved to Jews
of every type. Story #612, 693, 780, 980 -- see Archives

Rabbi Meir of Konstantin, son-in-law* of Rabbi Yaakov Emden, was
the head of the rabbinical-court in Constantine, Russia.
*In this I have adhered to my source, the esteemed Rabbi S. y. Zevin.
A few internet genealogy sites say he was a son, not a son-in-law. Story
#107 -- see Archives

Rabbi Meir of Primishlan [? - 29 Iyar 5610 (?
- May 1850 C.E.)], lived in abject but uncomplaining poverty, yet exerted
himself tirelessly for the needy and the suffering. His divine inspiration
and his ready wit have become legendary. He wrote no works, but some of
his teachings were collected and published by his Chassidim after his
death. Story #183, 185, 205, 207, 361, 377, 386, 457, 660, 825, 883, 957
-- see Archives

Rabbi Meir Yechiel of Ostrovtze (1851-19 Adar 1928) was a disciple
of R. Elimelech of Grodzinsk, who said that he would account it a privilege
if after his death R. Meir Yechiel would refer to him as his rebbe. An
outstanding scholar who lived an ascetic lifestyle, he led a following
of learned chassidim. His intricate sermons, which drew heavily on gematria,
came to be known as "Ostgrovotze pshetlach." They have
been collected in Meir Einei Chachamim, and his teachings on Bereishit
in Or Torah. Story #434, 576 -- see Archives

Rabbi Meir Abuhatzira, popularly called "Baba Meir"
(10 Tevet 1917 - 17 Nissan 1983), was the oldest son and designated spiritual
successor of the Baba Sali. The Lubavitcher Rebbe indicated
in private conversation that he was one of the pillars of the world. However,
he pre-deceased his illustrious father by two years. Born and educated
in Morocco where he became there one of the most important rabbis of his
generation as well as an accomplished Kabbalis. In 19??, he made aliyah
and moved to Ashdod, where, after turning down an offer to be chief rabbi
of Jerusalem, he lived reclusively for the rest of his life. Today, his
son Rabbi David, chief rabbi of Nahariya, is considered the scion of the
Abuhatzeira clan. Story #824, 874, 925 -- see Archives

Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk/Horodok [5490 - 1 Iyar 5548 (1730
- May 1788 C.E.)] was an elder disciple of the Magid of Mizritch and one
of the earliest Chasidic rebbes. He led the first modern aliyah to Israel,
in 1777, where he and three hundred Chasidim and others settled in Tsefat
(Safed). After a few years most of the group moved to Tiberias, where
he is buried in the "Students of the Baal Shem Tov" section
of the Old Cemetery. His works include Pri HaAretz and Likutei
Amarim. Story #556 -- see Archives165,
254, 340, 369, 969, 997

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Hager of Kosov (1768 - 17 Cheshvan 1826)
was the son of a close disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, and himself a disciple
of R. Moshe Leib of Sasov. He conducted a modest business until persuaded
by his contemporaries to become rav of Kosov, to which thousands of Jews
then flocked. Both the Vizinitz and Kosov dynasties stem
from him. His teachings are collected in Ahavas Shalom. Story #364,
371 -- see Archives

Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Riminov [?-19 Iyar 1815],.was an important
Rebbe in the third generation of hassidism. His was a main disciple of
the Rebbe Elimelech, and many rebbes of the succeeding generation studied
with him. His teachings are collected in Menachem Zion and other
works. Story #196, 494, 819, 896 -- see Archives

Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotsk [5547 - 22 Shevat 5619 (1787 -
Jan. 1859 C.E.], although born into a non-chasidic family; early became
a disciple of R. Yaakov Yitzchok [the "Seer"] of Lublin, R.
Yaakov Yitzchok [the "Yid HaKadosh"] of Pshischah, and ultimately
of R. Simcha Bunim of Pshischah, Superficially stern, he practiced and
preached a zealous and unrelenting search for truth, whose prime enemy
is self-centeredness. His oft-quoted aphorisms are characteristically
pungent and unsugared. Stressed earnest Torah study. Spent the last two
decades of his life in isolation. After his passing, the majority of his
followers recognized his disciple R. Yitzchak Meir of Ger as their rebbe.[from
Uri Kaploun in "A Treasury of Chassidic Tales"] Story #279,
951 -- see Archives

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn [29 Elul 5549 - 13 Nissan 5626
(Sept. 1789 - April 1866)], the Third Rebbe of Chabad, was known
as the Tsemech Tzedek, after his books of Halachic responsa
and Talmudic commentary called by that name. He was renowned not only
as a Rebbe, but also as a leading scholar in his generation in both the
revealed and hidden aspects of Torah. Story #153, 159, 164, 195, 225,
254, 255, 270, 294, 306, 307, 312, 330, 337, 368, 391, 436, 467, 563,
591, 595, 600, 603, 616, 683, 699, 808, 838, 969, 972, 975, 1031, 1037,
1042, 1062, 1082-- see Archives

Rabbi Menachem-Mendel ("Reb Mendel") Futerfas (1906
- 4 Tammuz 1995), was a near legendary Lubavitcher chasid, even for those
who knew him personally. In 1947 he was arrested for administrating networks
of underground yeshivas and Jewish schools, and for facilitating the repatriation
of thousands of Soviet Jews to Poland after WWII, and sentenced to 8 years
in Soviet prisons and labor camps, which he went through without compromising
any religious observances, despite the cruel pressure to do so. After
another six years in Siberian exile he was allowed to emigrate to England,
thanks to an appeal for family repatriation made by prime minister Harold
Wilson during his summit meeting in Moscow with Chairman Nikita Khrushchev.
In 1973 settled in Kfar Chabad, Israel, for the rest of his life. Story
#515, 584, 774-- see Archives

Rabbi Menachem Nachum, the Maggid of Chernobyl [5490 -
11 Cheshvan 5548 (1730-1787 C.E.)] and founder of the Chernobyl dynasty,
was a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov and senior disciple of the Maggid
of Mezritch. He is the author of Meor Enayim. Story #344, 534,
589, 673,726, 729 -- see Archives

Rabbi Menachem Kalish of Amshinov [5620 - 16 Kislev 5578 (1860
- Dec. 1917 C.E.)], succeeded his father, Rav Yaakov Dovid Kalish, the
first in the Amshinov dynasty, in 1878, at the young age of 18. Highly
active and effective in deeds of kindness on behalf of the Jewish community,
he was referred to by the Sefas Emmes Rebbe of Gur as "a remainder
from the greatest supreme rabbinical court" (in the early years of
the Second Temple--see Avot 1:2). One of his sons, Rabbi Yosef, became
Rebbe in Amshinov, while a second son, Shimon-Shalom, became a Rebbe in
Otvotsk. The latter's great-grandson, Rabbi Yaakov Aryeh Milikowski, is
the current Amshinover Rebbe in Jerusalem (his father around that time
was the Head of a Yeshiva in Tsfat!).

Rabbanit Menucha-Rachel Slonim [5558 - 24 Shvat 5648 (1798- Feb.
1888 C.E.)], for many decades the matriarch of the Ashkenazic Jewish
community in Hevron, was the daughter of the second Lubavitcher Rebbe,
Rabbi DovBer Schneuri. She and her husband, Rabbi Yaakov Slonim, were
sent to Hevron by the Rebbe in the early 1800's to bolster its fledging
Chabad congregation (originally started by fifteen Chabad fanilies who
moved there from Zefat!). Her grave there is today a place of pilgrimmage.
Story #522 -- see Archives

Rabbi Meshulam-Zushya of Anapoli (see Zushya)

Rabbi Chaim Michoel Dov Weissmandl [1903 - 6 Kislev 1957] made
extraordinary but ultimately unsuccessful efforts to save the Jews of
Slovakia during the Holocaust. A survivor himself, he subsequently moved
to USA and in 1946 founded the Nitra yeshiva in Somerville New Jersey,
an attempt to inaugurate a Talmudic agricultural community. He subsequently
moved the yeshiva to Mt. Kisco, NY, where it still exists and flourishes.
Today he is best known for his pioneering work on Torah Codes in an era
before computers. Story #640 -- see Archives

Rebbetzin Miriam-Chaya Moscovitz was the daughter of the well-known
chasidic rebbe, Rabbi Meir of Primishlan. She married Rabbi Yoel Moscovitz,
who became the first Rebbe of Shotz. Her third son, named Meir after his
illustrious maternal grandfather, became the second Rebbe of the dynasty.
She herself was known to have the power to bless, and helped countless
number of people. Story #823 -- see Archives

Rabbi Mordechai ("Mottel") of Chernobyl [5530 - 20 Iyar
5697 (1770 - May 1837 C.E.)], successor to his father, Rabbi Nachum, was
the son-in-law of Rabbi Aharon the Great of Karlin and subsequently of
Rabbi David Seirkes, an important disciple of the Baal Shem Tov. His eight
sons all became major Chasidic leaders. One of them Yaakov Yisrael Twerski
of Cherkassy, the first Hornsteipel Rebbe, married Devora Leah, one of
the six daughters of Rabbi DovBer of Lubavitch, son of Rabbi Shneur Zalman
of Liadi (match arranged by the two grandfather-Rebbes), in order to maximize
the possibilities for fulfillment of the prediction, "the Moshiach
will be born of the elder disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch or the youngest."
Story #209, 272, 366, 474, 499, 506, 707, 749, 805, 829, 880 --
see Archives

Rabbi Mordechai of Lechovitch (? - 15 Tishrei 1810), disciple
of R. Shlomo of Karlin; known for the fervor of his prayers, and for being
exceedingly charitable, particularly toward the poor of Eretz Yisrael.
Story #447, 852-- see Archives

Rabbi Mordechai of Nadvorna [?-15 Tishrei 1895], the great grandson
of Rabbi Meir "The Great" of Premishlan, was orphaned early
and raised by his uncle, the famous Rebbe, Meirl of Premishlan (see below).
Chassidim from all over Rumania and Hungary streamed in to receive his
blessings. An extraordinarily large number of his descendents became Chassidic
leaders and Rebbes, including dozens in the world today. His teachings
are collected in Gedulas Mordechai.Story #207, 437, 495 -- see
Archives

R. Mordechai of Neshchiz [1740 - 8 Nissan 1800] was descended
from the Maharal of Prague and Don Yitzchak Abarbanel. He was a disciple
of R. Yechiel Michel of Zlotchov. The ill and the unfortunate came to
visit him from long distances. It is recorded that he never uttered a
negative word about another person. He actively supported settlement in
Eretz Yisrael. He was succeeded by his son, R. Yitzchak of Neshchiz. His
sayings were collected in Rishpei Eish. Story #257, 351, 390, 989--
see Archives

Rabbi Mordechai Dov Twerski of Hornisteipel [1840-1904] was named
after his two maternal great-grandfathers, Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl
and Rabbi DovBer of Lubavitch. He was also a direct descendant of Rabbi
Zusha of Anipoli and the son-in-law of Rabbi Chaim of Sanz. A highly respected
Talmudic scholar, he was also the author of a popular book of Chasidic
guidance, Pele Yoetz. Story #267, 309, 357, 721, 1064-- see Archives

Rabbi Mordechai-Tzemach (ben Suliman) Eliyahu (1929-25
Sivan 2010), the former Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Israel, was born in Iraq.
A noted sage in all areas of Torah study, as well as a significant kabbalist,
he was considered to be one of the leading authorities on Jewish law in
Israel. His son, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, is currently the Chief Rabbi of
Tsfat. Story #171, 330, 658, 708, 809, 864-- see Archives

Rabbi Mordechai ("Mottele") Twersky from Rachmistrivka (?-
17 Iyar 1921) moved to Jerusalem from Europe in 1908. He was known for
his sharp mind and many business men used to seek his advice. He himself
was a skilled craftsman, who did complex engravings from silver and copper.
His father, Rabbi Yochanan Twerski, son of the famous Rebbe Mottele of
Chernobyl, was the first Rebbe of the Rachmistrivka dynasty. Story #360
-- see Archives

Rabbi Mordechai Shraga of Husyatin (20 Iyar 1834 - 22 Iyar 1894)
was one of the six sons of Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin who became the head
of a dynasty in Galicia. His thousands of Chassidim included many prominent
scholars. Story #598, 1079-- see Archives

Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman, known as 'RaMBaN' or 'Nachmanides'
[1194 - 11 Nissan (!) 1270], is accepted as one of the all-time great
Talmudic and Scriptural scholars. He was also a master kabbalist, a major
link in the transmission of Jewish mysticism. He is well-known as a champion
defender of the Jewish faith, as a result of his participation and victory
in a famous debate again Cristian clergy in 1263. As a result, he was
expelled from Spain. Subsequently, he moved to the Holy Land at age 70
where he composed his immortal commentary on the Five Books of Moses,
of which there exists an excellent annotated English translation, Nachmanides
on the Torah, by Rabbi Dr. Charles B. Chavel.Story #930 -- see Archives

Rabbi Moshe Al-Sheich [5268 - 13 Nissan 5353 (1508 - April 1593
C.E.)]was the author of many works, including important analytical
explanations of Scriptures, which are highly regarded even today (and
in recent years have become available in English). He was a student of
R. Yosef Caro and member of his Beit Din in Tsfat. He is buried
in the old cemetery of Tsfat. (For a fuller
biography) Story #227, 248, 446-- see Archives

Rabbi Moshe De Leon (1238-1305) of Guadalhajara, Spain, is best
known as the first publisher of the Zohar (the teachings of second
century mishnaic sage, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, as recorded by his students,
which constitute the primary text of Kabbalah). He is also the author
of the Kabbalah tome, Shekel HaKodesh. Story #124 -- see Archives

Rabbi Moshe Kordevero (1522-23 Tammuz 1570), known by the anacronym
of his name: Ramak, was considered the head of the Tsfat
Kabbalists until his death shortly after the arrival of Rabbi Yitzchak
Luria. Author of many major works of Kabbalah, including Pardes
Rimonim ("Orchard of Pomegranates"), in which he systematized
all kabbalistic knowledge that had been revealed until then. (For a fuller
biography) Story #195, 227, 301, 350, 403, 404, 453-- see Archives

Rabbi Moshe ben Mordechai Galante [5300-5374 (1540-1614 C.E.)]
was one of four (along with Rabbi Yosef Caro, author of Shulchan Aruch)
to receive semicha from Rabbi Yaakov Beirav in the 'renewal of semicha'
controversy. He and his older brother Avraham, who subsequently became
the city's chief rabbi, lived in Tsfat in the 1500's.Story
#103, 247-- see Archives

Rabbi Moshe ben Yonatan Galante [?-5449 (?-1689 C.E.)], was the
grandson of Rabbi Moshe ben Mordechai Galente. He moved from Tsfat to
Jerusalem around the year 5415 (1655 C.E.), where he became the Chief
Rabbi of the city and was known as "Rav HaMagen." He
also founded a large yeshiva there, and was succeeded as its head by his
main student, the great rabbinical suthority known as the "Pri
Chadash."

Rabbi Moshe Chaim Ephraim of Sudylkov [1748 - 17 Iyar 1800 was
the son of R. Yechiel Ashkenazi and Adel, the daughter of the Baal Shem
Tov. He authored one of the first primers of Chasidic thought, Degel
Machaneh Ephraim ("Banner of the Camp of Ephraim"),
and thereafter was popularly known as "the Degel." His holy
grandfather testified about him that he was a Talmudic genius. He served
as the rabbi of Sudylkov for several decades, but then retired to Medzibuz,
the town of the Baal Shem Tov, at the end of his life, where he passed
away and is buried. Story #755 -- see Archives

Rabbi Moshe Pallier of Kobrin [1784 - 29 Nisan 1858] was a close
follower of the Rebbe, R. Mordechai of Lechovitch and afterwards of his
son, R. Noach. In 1833 he became the first Rebbe of the Kobrin dynasty,
with thousands of chassidim, many of whom subsequently moved to Eretz
Yisroel. His teachings are collected in Imros Taharos. Story #167
-- see Archives

Rabbi Moshe Shreiber [1762-1839], was a giant of Torah known as
the 'Chasam Sofer,' after the title of his volumes of responsa
which have been significant to a high degree in the modern development
of Jewish law and thought. He founded the Pressberg Yeshiva in 5567 (1806),
which became the largest yeshiva in Europe under his leadership, and subsequently
of his son, known the Ktav Sofer and later his grandson, known
as the Shevet Sofer. Story #125, 228, 266, 284-- see Archives

Rebbe Moshe of Peshevorsk (1720 - 12 Tevet 1806) was the predecessor
of the Peshevorsk dynasty (which since 1956 has been based in Antwerp).
He was held in high esteem by the brothers R. Elimelech and R. Zusha,
and many other chassidic giants. It is said of him that Rabbi Moshe Alshich
often appeared to him and taught him Torah. His was famous for the perfection
and purity of the Torah, tefilin and mezuzah scrolls that he scribed,
which were eagerly sought after and are extremely valuable. He is the
author of the acclaimed Ohr Penei Moshe, commentary on the Five
Books of Moses and the five Megillot, and a subsequent volume on the Talmud.
Story #661 -- see Archives

Rabbi Moshe-Leib of Sossov (1745-4 Shvat 1807) was the leading
disciple of Reb Shmelke of Nicholsburg. He also received from the
Maggid of Mezritch and from Elimelech of Lyzhinsk. Subsequently
a Rebbe in his own right with many followers, he was famous primarily
for his love of his fellow Jews and his creative musical talent. His teachings
are contained in the books, Likutei RaMal, Toras ReMaLHashalem,
and Chidushei RaMal. Story #291, 304, 435, 578, 642, 671, 926,
1058-- see Archives

Rabbi Moshe-Zvi Giterman of Sevran [of blessed memory: 5535 -
27 Tevet 5597 (1775 - Dec. 1837 C.E.)] was a disciple of his father, whom
he succeeded as Maggid of Savran in 1802, and of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of
and Rabbi Boruch of Mezhibuz. He later became the Rabbi of Berditchev
after the passing of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak in 1810, and subsequently of
the towns of Uman and Kishinev as well. He had thousands of chasidim.
His Torah insights were collected and printed in the book, Likutey
Shoshanim. Story #263 (editor's note), 936, 1090-- see Archives

Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum [1759-28 Tammuz 1841], known as the Yismach
Moshe after the title of his book of Torah commentary, was famed
both as a scholar and wonderworker. A disciple of the Seer of Lublin,
he was instrumental in the spread of Chasidut in Hungary. His descendants
founded the dynasties of Satmar and Sighet. Story #552, 715, 815--
see Archives

Rabbi Moshe Biederman of Lelov [? - 13 Tevet 1851] was the son
of R. David of Lelov and the son-in-law of "the Holy Yid " of
Pshischah. He declined to officially succeed his father as rebbe, considering
himself unworthy of the position. He moved to Israel in 1851, where he
helped to strengthen the Chassidic community in Jerusalem, although he
passed away shortly after his arrival. He is buried on the Mount of Olives,
near the prophet Zacharia. Story #233, 296, 355, 498, 717-- see Archives

Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Biderman (1903 - 24 Tevet 1987), sixth-generation
Rebbe of Lelov, lived in Tel Aviv for many years, then moving to
Bnei Brak in 1964. He was accepted also by many Karliner chasidim as the
new Rebbe after the passing of Rabbi Yochanan of Karlin-Stolin in 1956.
When the sacred Kotel was recaptured in 1967, of all the Chassidishe Rebbes,
he visited it most. His prayers there lasted most of the day. Because
of his attachment to the Kotel, he moved back to Jerusalem and remained
there until 1981, at which time he became too weak to visit the Kotel
and returned to Bnei Brak. He is the author of Kedushas Mordechai.
Story #717 -- see Archives

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (1895 - 13 Adar B 1986) was born in Uzdan,
near Minsk, Belorussia. He became rabbi of Luban while young and remained
there till 1937. After that he immigrated with his family to the United
States, to the Lower East Side of Manhattan. There he became Rosh HaYeshivah
of Mesivta Tiferes Yerushalayim, which became world-famous because of
his presence. He also became the most important halachic authority in
the Americas, and his rulings were accepted worldwide. They have been
published in a multi-volume collection called Igrot Moshe. Story
#572, 745-- see Archives

Rabbi Moshe Weber [5 Kislev 5675 - 18 Adar A 5760 (1914 - March
2000 C.E.)] was a central and beloved figure in Jerusalem's religious
community. Nearly every day he went to the Western Wall from his home
in Meah Shearim to pray and to help visitors wrap tefillin. Less publicly,
he distributed enormous sums of tzedakah to the city's poor. It is known
that, decades ago, the Lubavitcher Rebbe said of him that he is one of
the holiest and kindest people in the world. He published several volumes
of Torah insights in Yarim Moshe. There is an ongoing periodical
of his teachings distributed weekly called Shemu V'Techi Nafshechem,
which also offers for sale his audio recordings. Story #146, 796-- see
Archives

Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (1772 - 18 Tishrei 1810)
was the great grandson of the Baal Shem Tov. From early youth he set out on his
distinctive path in divine service -- ascetic study, solitary mediation, fiery
worship. His chasidim learned from him as well their lifelong quest for atonement,
the impossibility of despair for the man of faith, and a unique concept of the
nature and role of the tzadik. After a brief stay in the Holy Land the controversial
young Rebbe settled in Breslov in 1800, and then in Uman in 1802. His burial place
there in the Ukraine is a popular place of pilgrimage for his chasidim (and many
others), especially on Rosh Hashana. Most of his teachings were recorded by his
disciple R. Nasan Stenhartz. His books include Likkutei Maharan (kabbalistic and
moral teachings), and Sippurei Maasiot (stories). A large amount of his teachings
have been translated into English.

Rabbi Naftali of Ropshitz [6 Sivan 5520 (the same day as the Baal
Shem Tov's passing!) - 11 Iyar 5587 (1760-1827 C.E.)] became the rebbe
of many thousands of chassidim. He was noted for his sharp wit and humor
and his elusive sparkling aphorisms. Some of his teachings are collected
in his works, Zera Kodesh, Ayalah Sheluchah, and Imrei Shefer.
Many stories about him appear in the book, Ohel Naftoli.Story #252,
379, 390, 456, 626, 896, 909, 964-- see Archives

Rabbi Nosson Dovid (ben Yerachmiel Rabinowitz) of Shidlowitz
(1814 - 7 Cheshvan 1866) was the grandson of the "Holy Yid"
of Peshishcha and a miracle-working Rebbe of thousands in his own right.
His sons and several of his disciples also became rebbes. Story #585 --
see Archives

Rabbi Nota of Chelm [? - 1 Shvat 5572 (17?? - 1812 C.E.)], a disciple
of Rebbe Elimelech of Lyzhinsk, became a Rebbe in his own right
and acquired many followers. He is the author of Nota Sha'ashuim.
Story #206 -- see Archives

HaRav Ovadia Yosef (1920 - 3 Cheshvan 2013), born in Baghdad,
Iraq, was the Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel from 1973 to 1983, and the
founder and long-time spiritual leader of Israel's "Shas" political
party. His decisions and responsa in Jewish Law have influenced
an entire generation of Sephardic rabbis, and are often consulted by Torah
scholars across the spectrum. Story #1063 -- See Archives

Rabbi Pinchas (ben R. Avraham Abba Shapiro) of Koretz [10
Elul (1726 - Sept. 1791 C.E.] was considered to be one of the two most
pre-eminent followers of Chassidism's founder, the Baal Shem Tov
(along with his successor, the Maggid of Mezritch). His teachings
appear in various collections (such as Midrash Pinchas), and are
cited in the classic Bnei Yissaschar. Story #156, 730, 737, 770,
807-- see Archives

Rabbi Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz (1730-7 Tammuz 1805) was a follower
of the Maggid of Mezritch, along with his older brother, Rabbi
Shmuel ("Shmelke") of Nicholsburg (1726-2 Iyar 1778).
He attained scholarly repute as the author of Hafla'ah (on Talmud
and halacha), HaMikneh (same) and Panim Yafos (on Scripture),
and became the chief Rabbi of Frankfurt. Like many rabbinical authors,
he is commonly referred to by the title of his most famous work, in this
case as the Ba'al Hafla'ah. His most illustrious student
was R. Moshe Schreiber, the famed Chattam Sofer. Story #202 --
see Archives

Rabbi Pinchas Menachem Alter [Sivan 5686 - 16 Adar B, 5756 (June
1926 - March 1996)], also known as the Pnei Menachem after
the works he authored, was the sixth Rebbe of Ger, a position he held
for the last four years of his life. He was the only offspring of the
second marriage of his father, Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Alter, the third
Rebbe of Ger. The fourth Rebbe of Ger, Rabbi Yisroel Alter, and the fifth
Rebbe, Rabbi Simcha Bunim Alter, were his much older half-brothers. In
the 1950s, he was appointed rosh yeshiva of Sefas Emmes, the flagship
yeshiva of Ger in Jerusalem. After his passing, he was succeeded
as Rebbe by his nephew, Rabbi Yaakov Aryeh Alter (the current Rebbe as
of this writing), son of Rabbi Simcha Bunim Alter. Story #298, 1057 --
see Archives

Rabbi Raphael HaKohen of Hamburg (1722-1803) was a prominent scholar
and author of Toras Yekusiel. He was the chief rabbi of several major
towns in Lithuania. He is famed for his saintly conduct. His disciples
included the celebrated Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin. Story #523 --
see Archives

Rebbetzin Rivka Schneerson (1833- 10 Shvat 1914) a granddaughter
of Rabbi DovBer, the 2nd Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, at age 16 married
her first cousin, Rabbi Shmuel, who later became the fourth Lubavitcher
Rebbe. Surviving her husband by 33 years, for many years she was the esteemed
matriarch of Lubavitch, and chasidim frequented her home to listen to
her accounts of the early years of Lubavitch. She is the source of many
of the stories recorded in the talks, letters and memoirs of her grandson,
Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak (the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe). The Beis Rivka network
of girls' schools are named after her. Story #412, 584 -- see Archives

Rabbi Salman Mutzafi (1900 - 17 Tevet 1975) was
a descendant of an illustrious family of Torah scholars who first arrived
in Baghdad during the Spanish expulsion. After serving many years as the
city's chief rabbi, he moved to Israel where he founded the Bnei Zion
Yeshiva. Recognized as one of the great kabbalists of his generation,
he is also the compiler of Siftei Tzaddikim: a guide for visiting
the graves of special righteous Jews buried in Israel. Story #792 -- see
Archives

Rabbi Sar Sholom of Belz [1779-27 Elul 1855] was the first of
the Belz chassidic dynasty. He became the main rebbe of Galician jewry,
and had tens of thousands of chassidim. His teachings are collected in
Dover Shalom. Story #545 -- see Archives

Rabbi Shabtai Slavtitski is the head Lubavitcher emissary in Belgium.
He has a large congregation in Antwerp, where he is well respected rabbinical
figure.

Rabbi Shalom Shachna (Friedmann) of Probisht (1766-1803) was the
son of R. Avraham the Malach and grandson of Rabbi Dov Ber (the Maggid)
of Mezritch. His wife was the granddaughter of Rebbe Nachum of Chernobyl.
One of their sons was the famed chasidic leader, Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin.Story
#729 -- see Archives

Rabbi Shaul Yedidya Elazer Taub [21 Tishrei 1886 - 16 Kislev 1947],
the second Modzitzer Rebbe, succeeded his father, Rabbi Yisrael,
in 1920. At the outbreak of WWII he left Poland and eventually arrived
in New York in 1940. He traveled extensively, bringing Torah and niggunim
to many communities, of which he composed close to 1000 compositions!
On his fourth and last trip to the Land of Israel in 1947 he fully intended
to remain and settle, but he passed away that same year. He was the last
person buried on the Mount of Olives until after the 6 Day War. Story
#324 -- see Archives

Rabbi Shimon
Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history,
lived over 1800 years ago. Teachings in his name abound throughout the
Mishnah, Gemorrah, and Midrashim, while the Zohar, the primary
source text of Kabbalah, is built around Rabbi Shimon's revelations to
his inner circle of disciples. During the hours before his passing, on
Lag b'Omer, he disclosed the "most sublime" secrets
of Torah, in order to ensure that the day would always be an occasion
for great joy, untouched by sadness because of the Omer period and mourning
for him. The seminal importance of the Zohar in Jewish thought and the
annual pilgrimage to Meron on Lag b"Omer are testimonies to his success.
Story #135, 186, 193, 197, 237, 292, 301, 306, 369, 386, 393, 404, 443,
493, 522, 536, 547, 648, 703, 754, 859, 889, 947, 965, 1013, 1054-- see
Archives

Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz (1500-1580), a major kabbalist in 16th century
Tsfat, was the author of many important commentaries on Torah and
Kabbala. He is best known as the composer of the famous liturgical poem
"Lecha Dodi" (Come My Beloved"), sung by Jews worldwide
to welcome the Shabbat. (More about Rabbi
Shlomo Alkabetz; a new translation and commentary for Lecha
Dodi) Story #239, 295, 301, 480,1055-- see Archives

Rabbi Shlomo Luria, the "Maharshal," was one
of the leading Torah scholars of the sixteenth century. His writings are
studied and venerated still today. He served as Rabbi and head of the
Rabbinical court in Lublin, one of the most important centers of Jewish
life at that time. He was a relative of Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, apparently
his great uncle. Story #212, 302, 404, 601-- see Archives

R. Shlomo of Karlin [1738-22 Tammuz 1792], was also a student
of the Maggid, as well as of Reb Aharon the Great of Karlin, whom he succeeded
in 1772, as well as adopting his orphan son. Most of the Chassidic leaders
of the next generation in the Lithuanian region were his disciples. He
died Kiddush HaShem, stabbed by a Cossack while in the midst of
the Amida prayer. His adopted son, Rabbi Asher, became the first
Rebbe of Stolin. Story #136, 348, 402, 652, 713, 729, 974 -- see
Archives

Rabbi Shlomo of Bobov [1848 - 1 Tammuz 1906] was the first rebbe
of the Bobover dynasty, which he became shortly following the death of
his renowned grandfather, the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. He was noted for strengthening
the Judaism of the younger generation and founding numerous yeshivas.
His chasidim numbered in the thousands. Story #487, 507, 619-- see Archives

Rabbi Shlomo (ben Benzion) Halberstam of Bobov, [1907 - 1 Av 2000],
survived the Holocaust along with only 300 chasidim, succeeding his father
who was among those martyred. Settling in Manhattan and then different
locations in Brooklyn, he served as the third rebbe in the Bobover dynasty
for over 50 years, rebuilding Bobov to an even more thousands than his
father had before the war. In addition to being wise and pious, he was
noted for his steadfastness in not taking sides in disputes. Interestingly,
he passed away on the same Hebrew date as Aharon the High Priest, who
was the first Jew to be known for "loving peace and pursuing peace"
(Avot 1:12). Story #507, 605, 1074-- see Archives

Rabbi Shlomo Chanoch HaKohen of Radomsk [1885 - 18 Av 1942] the
fourth and last rebbe of the dynasty, perished with his family in the
Warsaw Ghetto. He was known for the network of 36 yeshivas "Kesser
Torah" he established throughout Poland and Galicia. During the period
between the two World Wars, the Radomsker chasidim numbered among the
three largest Chasidic movements in Poland. Story #489-- see Archives

Rabbi Shlomo-Eliezer Alfandri (1820 - 22 Iyar 1930) was born in
Istanbul, Turkey, where his reputation for piety and wisdom was established
at a young age. He served as the chief rabbi in Istanbul (unofficially)
and Damascus, and subsequently in Safed for 20 years toward the end of
his life. He passed away at age 110 (!) in Jerusalem. Eight days before,
the world-renowned Rebbe of Munkacz, Rabbi Chaim-Elazar Shapira, made
a special trip from Hungary to meet with him, calling him the "the
top tzadik of the generation." Many of his rabbinical correspondence
on topics in Jewish law are included in his book, Sabba Kadisha. For more
information on his life and writings, see his entry in "Sages
of Safed" on our website. Story #860-- see Archives

Rabbi Shlomo-Zalman Lifshitz (1765-1839) was appointed Chief Rabbi
of Warsaw in 1821. In his influential book Hemdat Shlomo, he deals
with the problems of his generation, including assimilation. His rulings
about conversion still hold great weight today.

Rabbi Shlomo (Shlom'ke) of Zivhil [? - 26 Iyar 5705 --yesod of
yesod (? - May 1945 C.E.)] was the first one of the dynasty to be based
in Israel. For a long time after he came to Jerusalem, no one knew his
true identity as the Rebbe to whom thousands had flocked in his native
land, until a chance visitor from his hometown revealed his secret to
the stunned worshipers in the shul he was attending. So once again he
acquired thousands of followers and admirers. Famed for his remarkable
deeds of kindness, he particularly concentrated on rescuing youths from
missionaries and inculcating the importance of the laws of family purity
to the masses, while still finding time to answer complicated questions
in Jewish Law. Story #806, 861-- see Archives

Rabbi Shlomo-David Kahane [5628 - 27 Kislev 5704 (1868 - Dec.
1943 C.E.)] was onsidered a leading rabbinical authority in his generation.
He was the Chief Rabbi of Warsaw and its rabbinical court for many years
until the early years of WWII, when he managed to escape the deadly clutches
of the Nazis who were hunting him and eventually arrive in Israel. He
became the chief rabbi of the Old City of Jerusalem until his death in
1943. His "Committee of Polish Rabbis in Israel" and his "Committee
of Polish Rabbis for Freeing Agunot" saved literally thousands of
Jewish women whose husbands' whereabouts were unknown as a result of WWII
horrors, and enabled them to remarry. Story #825 -- see Archives

Rabbi Shlomo-Zalman Auerbach [23 Tamuz 5670 - 20 Adar, 5755 (July
1910 - March 1995 C.E.)] was born and spent his entire life in the Shaarei
Chesed neighborhood of Central Jerusalem. He was one of the most knowledgeable
and important decisors of Jewish law in Israel in his generation. Religious
Jews from across the spectrum of observance and, famously, from the secular
academic, medical and scientific communities as well, flocked to his home
for Torah perspective on all aspects of life. Local police estimated that
at least 300,000 people attended his funeral. Story #953-- see Archives

Rabbi Shmuel Aceda (1538-1602) became in 1578 the head of a major
yeshiva in Tsfat for the study of Talmud and Kabbalah, and the
author of a classical commentary on Pirkei Avot, Midrash Shmuel.
Story #197-- see Archives

Rabbi Shmuel Vital (1598-1677) was the son of Rabbi Chaim Vital,
the foremost student of The Holy Ari and the only one permitted to record
his teachings. R. Shmuel inherited these manuscripts and arranged the
publication of many of them. Born in Damascus where he officiated as a
rabbinical judge for most of his life, he moved in 1663 to Cairo, Egypt,
where he remained till his passing. He wrote a commentary on the siddur,
according to the system of the Holy Ari, which contained kabbalistic mediations
for the prayers. He also wrote many other works, most of them unpublished,
and collected his own and his father's novel insights on the Talmud. Story
#763-- see Archives

Rabbi Shmuel of Kaminka (? - 1831), a senior student of the Baal
Shem Tov, was known as "Ish Elokim Kodesh Maod," - "a
very holy G-dly man." He lived the latter part of his life in the
Holy Land, settling first in Tsfat, and was nearly 100 years of ge when
he passed away. Many of his teachings are printed in Chesed L'Avraham.
Story #573-- see Archives

Rabbi Shmuel (ben Avraham Yeshaya) of Karov-Vinagrov (?
-15 Iyar 1820), a major disciple of the Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhinsk and
then the "Seer" of Lublin, became a rebbe in his own right upon
the passing of the Seer in 1815. Many rebbes of the next generation were
his students. Story #559-- see Archives

Rabbi Shmuel Abba Zikelinsky of Zichlin [19 Kislev (!) 5570 -
26 Elul 5639] was an important disciple of Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Pshischah,
and subsequently a Rebbe in his own right with a large following]. Story
#275, 498-- see Archives

Rabbi Shmuel Shmelke HaLevi Horowitz of Nikolsburg (1726 - 2 Iyar
1778) was a major disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch along with his younger
brother, Rabbi Pinchas, who became the Rabbi of Frankfort (see above).
Many of the leading rebbes in Poland and Galitzia were originally his
disciples. Among the books he authored are Divrei Shmuel and
Nazir HaShem. Story #289, 987-- see Archives

Rabbi Shmuel Munkes, an elder disciple of Rabbi Shneur Zalman
of Chabad, was known for his fervent and creative Chasidic service, and
his sharp sense of humor. Stories abound. Story #662, 875, 901, 983--
see Archives

Rabbi Shneur Zalman Fradkin of Lublin [5590 - - 5 Nisan 5662 (1830
- 1902 C.E.)], A chasid of the Tzemech Tzedek and Maharash
of Lubavitch, was chief rabbi in Polotsk and then Lublin. When he made
aliyah to the Holy Land, he became a major rabbinical figure in the Jerusalem
community. He is best remembered for his important scholarly book, Toras
Chesed. Story #228 -- see Archives

Rabbi Shneur-Zalman Schneersohn (1898 - Wed. July 2, 1980 - Tammuz
18 5740) was a second cousin of the 7th Lubavitcher Rebbe, having a close
relationship with him in Paris when they both lived there after 1936,
even hosting the Rebbe's mother in his house for three months. He held
the post of Chief Rabbi of the Association of Orthodox Jewry of France,
and was well-known and highly respected for his work in saving more than
one hundred children after the German occupation of Vichy France. In 1950,
when the 6th Rebbe passed away, a small percentage of the chasidim considered
him a fitting successor. Eventually settling in Brooklyn, he founded and
headed for many years the Shevet Yehuda Institute of Technology, which
offered a training program in computer science for yeshiva students, one
of the first such programs ever. He is buried directly behind the Lubavitcher
Rebbes' ohel, alongside the Tomashpol Rebbe, in the Old Montefiore Cemetery
in Queens. Story #959-- see Archives

Rabbi Sholom-Dovber Schneersohn [20 Cheshvan 5621 - 2 Nissan 5680
(Oct. 1860 - April 1920)], known as the Rebbe Reshab, was
the fifth Rebbe of the Lubavitcher dynasty. He is the author of
hundreds of major tracts in the exposition of Chassidic thought. Story
#198, 584, 614, 637, 903-- see Archives

Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshischa (1765 - 12 Elul 1827) spent many
years as a business man and a pharmacist. He was a beloved disciple of
"the Seer" and of "The Holy Yid" whom he succeeded.
Known as "a rebbe of rebbes," his major disciples included the
Kotsker and the first Rebbes of Ger and Alexander. Story #325, 531, 682,
994-- see Archives

Rabbi Tzvi Elimelech Shapira of Dinov (1785 - 18 Teves, 1841),
a renowned scholar, nephew of Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk and disciple
of the "Seer" of Lublin and of Menachem Mendel of Rimanov. Best
known for his scholarly and mystical work, Bnei Yissaschar, which
includes a chapter for each month of the year. Story #542-- see Archives

Rabbi Tzvi-Hirsh of Chortkov was the father of the well-known
Chassidic Rebbe, Reb Shmelke of Nikolsburg. Story #251-- see Archives

Rebbe Tzvi-Hirsh of Riminov [5538 - 29 Cheshvan 5608 (1778-Nov.
1847 C.E.)] was the attendant of the well-known Rebbe, R. Menachem Mendel
of Riminov, and subsequently his successor. He had a reputation as a miracle
worker. Some of his teachings are collected in Mevasser Tov and
in Be'erot HaMayim. Story #256-- see Archives

Rebbe Tzvi-Hirsh Eichenstein [1785 - 11 Tammuz 1831], founder
of the Zhidachov dynasty, was a prominent disciple of the Seer
of Lublin. He championed the position that the practice of Chasidism had
to be firmly based on the study of the Kabbala of the holy Ari of Safed.
He wrote and published numerous commentaries on Kabbala, including Ateret
Tzvi on the Zohar, and several on the weekly readings. The Malbim
was a student of his. He was succeeded by three nephew-disciples, including
Yitzhak-Isaac of Zhidachov and Yitzhak-Isaac-Yehuda-Yechiel of Komarno.

Udel, the only daughter of the Baal Shem Tov (who also
had an only son), married one of her father's disciples, Rabbi Yechiel
Ashkenazi. Their children were Rabbi Moshe Chaim Ephraim of Sudylkov,
author of the major Chassidic work, Degel Machne Ephraim; Rabbi
Boruch of Mezhibuzh, one of the leading rebbes of his generation; and
Feige, mother of Rabbi Nachman of Bretzlov. The Besht said of her
that her soul was from the treasure room in Heaven of pure souls. He considered
her one of his main students, and she was greatly respected by all of
his disciples. She passed away in one of the years between 5546-5557 (1786-1797
C. E.).

Rabbi Uri ("the Saraph") of Strelisk (? - 23
Elul 1826) was the disciple of Rabbi Shlomo of Karlin and of Rabbi Mordechai
of Neshchiz, and the brother-in-law of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kosov.
He was called "the Saraph" ["fiery angel"]
due to the ecstatic fervor of his prayers. He authored Imrei Kadosh.
His main disciple was Rabbi Yehudah Zvi Hirsch, the first of the Stretyn
dynasty. Story #935-- see Archives

Rabbi Yaakov Beirav [1474- 1 Iyar 1546] was born
near Toledo, Spain. As a young man, he studied with Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhav.
Subsequently, he wrote commentaries on the four sections of the Rambam
and on Talmudic subjects and published a volume of responsa. After serving
as a rabbinical leader in Fez, Morocco, and Cairo, Egypt, he became the
chief rabbi of Tsfat. Story #227, 301-- see Archives

Rabbi Yaakov Yosef HaKohain of Polnoye [5470 - 24 Tishrei 5542**
(1710 - Oct. 1781 C.E.)] was one of the earliest and closest rabbinical
disciples of the Baal Shem Tov. He was the first person to author a book
of Chassidic teachings, titled Toldos Yaakov Yosef, which had a
revolutionary effect upon publication. Subsequently, he published two
other chasidic classics, Ben Porat Yosef and Ketonet Passim.
These three books were the chief printed sources for teachings in the
name of the Baal Shem Tov. He is often referred to as the "Baal HaToldos,"
after his first and most famous work. Story #232, 807, 862, 982, 997--
see Archives
** Not certain, Some say 5544 (1783) and some say 5551
(1790)

Rabbi Yaakov Shimshon of Shepetovka [? - 3 Sivan 5561 (? - May
1801)], a descendant of Rabbi Shimshon of Ostropole, was a student of
the Maggid of Mezritch and Rabbi Pinchus of Karitz and a close friend
of Rabbi Boruch of Mezibuz. As a great authority in Jewish Law, he earned
considerable respect also in rabbinic circles. In 1794 (according to charedi.org),
he moved to Israel and settled in Tiberias, where he is buried. Story
#938 -- see Archives

Rabbi Yisrael Yaakov Yisrael (Twersky) of Cherkas (1794
- 13 Elul 1876) was the son of R. Mordechai of Chernobyl, son-in-law of
R. Dov Ber of Lubavitch, and grandfather of R. Mordechai Dov of Hornisteipl.

Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok Horowitz [5505 - 9 Av 5575 (1745 - Aug.
1815 C.E.)], known as 'the Chozeh (Seer) of Lublin', was
one of the four successors to the Rebbe Elimelech of Lizensk (1717-1787),
and the leader of the spread of chassidus in Poland. Many great Rebbes
of the next generation emerged from his followers, including: the Yid
HaKodesh, Simcha-Bunim of Peshischa, David of Lelov, the Yismach
Moshe, the Sabba Kadisha of Radoshitz, the Bnai Yisasscher,
Rabbi Naftali-Zvi of Ropshitz, the Maor Vashemesh and Sar-Shalom
of Belz. Many of his insights were published posthumously in Divrei
Emmes, Zichron Zos, and Zos Zichron. Story #333, 351, 396,
468, 626, 667, 896, 1023 -- see Archives

Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak of Peshischa [5526-19 Tishrei 5574 (1766-
Sept. 1813 C.E.)], The Holy Jewof Peshischa, was the leading
disciple of the Seer of Lublin, but subsequently split off
to form the famous Peshischa movement of Chasidut. Rabbi Simcha Bunim
of Peshischa and Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotsk were among his many disciples
who became great Rebbes in their own right. Story 1009b -- Archives

R. Yaakov Aryeh Guterman [5552  18 Tammuz 5634 (1792-1874
C.E.)], the Sabba Kadisha (holy grandfather)
of Radzmin, was a disciple of Rabbis Yaakov Yitzchak and Simcha Bunim
of Peshischa and of Rabbi Yitzchak of Vorki, who he succeeded as Rebbe
in 1848. He was famed as a miracle maker.

Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeira [1808 - 20 (19?) Tevet 1880] served as
the chief rabbi of Tafilalet, Morocco, until shortly before his death.
He was an accomplished scholar and kabbalist renowned for his piety, who
performed many miracles. His many distinguished descendants include his
grandson known as "Baba Sali." His written works include Torah
commentaries ("Abir Yaakov") ethical works (most of a kabbalistic
nature) and responsa on Jewish law. His tomb in Egypt is an official antiquity
site protected by the government of Egypt. On his yahrzeit a ceremony
attended by hundreds of devotees is held there, many travelling from Israel
whenever permissible.

Reb Yaakov Leizer (6 Tevet 1907 - 27 Cheshvan 1998) became the
second Pshevorsker Rebbe in 1976. Like his father-in-law and founder
of the dynasty, Rabbi Moshe Yitzchak Gevirzman, great-grandson of the
Rebbe Elimelech, "Reb Yankele" did not seek to open a
network of institutions. Even so, specially chartered planes would bring
hundreds of chasidim to Antwerp for every Yom Tov and occasion. Among
the visitors were often those who had come seeking salvation of one type
or another. Hundreds of stories abound about his Divine inspiration and
the miracles that he performed. His only son, Rabbi Leibish Leizer, is
the current Pshevorsker Rebbe. Story #601 -- see Archives

Rabbi Yaakov Yehuda ("J.J.") Hecht (24 Cheshvan 1923
- 15 Av 1990) was sometimes described as the Lubavitcher Rebbe's Foreign
Minister. In 1945, he was appointed the official director of the National
Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE). In 1953 he
started one of the first camps for religious Jewish girls, Camp Emunah.
In the 1970's he became the administrative head in Crown Heights, Brooklyn,
of both Hadar HaTorah Yeshiva and Machon Chana Seminary. Rabbi Hecht also
was the official translator of the Rebbe's talks to children and for the
farbrengens on the radio. The Rebbe once described him publicly as one
of "the chasidim who share deep soul bonds with him."

Rabbi Yechezkel of Kuzmir [? - 17 Shvat 1856], a disciple of the
Seer of Lublin, was the grandfather of the first Modzitzer Rebbe,
a famous chassidic dynasty best known for its creative and exciting chassidic
music. Story #229, 293, 380, 667-- see Archives

Rabbi Yechezkel Shraga Halberstam, (1813- 5 Tevet 1899), was the
eldest son of the Divrei Chaim, Rabbi Chaim Halberstam of Sanz.
As an emissary of his father, he founded the Sanzer synagogue in Tzefat.
He served as the rabbi of Shinova from 1855 till1868, and then again from
1881 till his passing. Many of his Torah insights into Scripture, Law
and Kabbalah are collected in Divrei Yechezkel.Story #680,
1064 -- seeArchives

Rabbi Yechiel Michil of Zolotchov (1731-25 Elul 1786), son of
Rabbi Yitzchak of Drohovitch, was introduced by his father to the Baal
Shem Tov at a young age. He also became a disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch.
It is said that his sermons consistently aroused his listeners to repentance.
Many of his teachings are collected in Mayim Rabim. Story #208,
334, 848, 989, 998, 1012-- see Archives

R. Yechiel Meir Lifschitz of Gostynin [1816 - 21Shvat 1888] was
sometimes known as Der Tilim Yid (the Psalms Jew) because of his
constant instruction to those who came to him for advice and support that
they turn to the reading of the Book of Psalms. He was a disciple of R.
Menachem Mendel of Kotsk and of R. Yaakov Aryeh of Radzymin, after whose
death he became chassidic leader in Gostynin. His selfless and unsophisticated
mode of living induced people to refer to him as "one of the 36 hidden
tzadikim." His teachings appear in Merom HaRim and Mei HaYam.
Story #211-- see Archives

Rabbi Yehoshua Rokeach [5585 - 23 Shvat 5654 (1825 - Jan. 1894
C.E.)] was the fifth son and the successor to his father, Rabbi Sholom,
the first Rebbe of Belz. A major leader of Galician Jewry, he was
also the founder of Machzikei HaDas, perhaps the first Orthodox
Jewish organization to be involved in government politics, and still a
force in Israel today. Some of his discourses are published in Ohel
Yehoshua, a supplement to the book of his father's teachings, Dover
Sholom. He was succeeded by his second son, Yissachar Dov, grandfather
of today's Belzer Rebbe, who bears his name. Story #141, 445, 551-- see
Archives

Rabbi Yehuda-Aryeh-Leib Alter
(1847 - 5 Shvat 1905), the Sefas Emes, succeded his grandfather the Chidushei
Ha- Rim to become the Rebbe of the Gur-Alter dynasty at the tender age of
19. Over the decades, he became one of the most influential Chasidic leaders in
Europe. His followers numbered in the tens of thousands.

Rabbi Yehuda
Leib (Leibele") Eiger Of Lublin [1816 - 22 Shvat 1888] was the
grandson of one of the eminent Talmudic scholars of the century, Rabbi Akiva Eiger.
He became a chasid of R. Menachem-Mendel of Kotsk, and subsequently of R. Mordechai-Yosef
Leiner of Izbitz, upon whose death he became a Rebbe in his own right, in Lublin.
One of his close followers was Rabbi Tzadik HaCohen of Lublin. His published works
include "Toras Emmes" and "Imrei Emmes", both on the weekly
Torah readings and the holidays.

Rabbi Yehudah Leib of Kopust (1811- 3 Cheshvan 1866), an elder
brother of Rabbi Shmuel of Lubavitch, established an independent branch
of Chabad Chasidism in Kopust after the death of his father, R. Menachem
Mendel of Lubavitch, the Tzemech Tzedek. Following his death in
the same year, he was succeeded by his son, Rabbi Shlomo Zalman of Kopust,
although many of the chasidim returned to Lubavitch. Story #600, 699--
see Archives

Rabbi Yehuda Zvi-Hirsch Brandwein of Strettin [of blessed memory:
5540 - 11 Iyar 5604 (1780 - April 1844 C.E.)] was the leading disciple
of Rabbi Uri of Strelisk, whom he succeeded in 1826, and whom he resembled
in his ecstatic mode of prayer. He was highly praised by many of the tzadikim
of his generation. His teachings may be found in Degel Machaneh Yehuda.
He was succeeded by his son Rabbi Avraham Brandwein of Strettin. Story
#935 -- see Archives

Rabbi Yekutiel Yehuda Halberstam[1904-9 Tammuz 1994] the
Klausenberger Rebbe, also became the post-war Rebbe of the
Sanz Chassidim. One of the foremost Chasidic leaders of his generation,
he is best known for his revitalization of the study of Talmud through
"Mifal Shas" and the building of a hospital, Laniado
in Netanya, that functions at the highest standards of Jewish law and
medical practice. Story #244, 605, 761, 1071-- see Archives

Rabbi Yerachmiel Yisrael Yitzchak Danziger of Alexander [1853
- 29 Tevet 1910] was a popular Chasidic leader in Poland of a wide range
of followers. His book Yismach Yisrael is studied by many different
Chasidic groups.

Rabbi Yeshayahu Halevi Horowitz (1560-11 Nissan 1630] served many
years as chief rabbi in Cracow, Frankfurt and then Prague,
his birthplace. In 1621 he moved to Israel and became the chief rabbi
of Jerusalem. He is best known as the author of Shnei Luchot
HaBrit, a work of Scripture commentary and Jewish Law, and is usually
referred to as "the SHeLaH", the acronym of its title. He lived
the last years of his life in Tzefat although his burial place
is in Tiberias, only a few meters from the tomb of the Rambam.
It is a popular pilgrimage site, especially on Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan,
which he himself recommended as a propitious time for saying the special
prayer for success in educating ones children that he composed.
Story #395-- see Archives

Rabbi Yidele Horowitz, the Dzikover Rebbe (1905- 9 Cheshvan 1989),
was raised by his maternal grandfather, Rabbi Yisrael Hager, Rebbe of
Vizhnitz. After WWII, he moved to Tel Aviv, and then towards the end of
his life, to London, for medical reasons. Although known as a formidable
scholar and a man of exceptional character, he shunned the limelight and
abhorred any reverence or treatment as a Rebbe. He lived a very frugal
life. Absolutely all the monies forwarded to him by admirers and Chassidim
were immediately distributed to orphans and widows. Story #786-- see Archives

Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzira [1890 - 4 Shvat 1984] or Baba Sali,
as he was affectionately known throughout the Jewish world, was born in
Tafillalt, Morocco to one of Jewry's most illustrious families.
From a young age he was renowned as a sage, leader, miracle maker and
master kabbalist. In 1964 he moved to Eretz Yisrael, eventually settling
in 1970 in the Southern development town, Netivot, where thousands of
followers and admirers from all over the world and across the Jewish spectrum
streamed to see him and ask his blessing. Even today his burial place
there is a pilgrimmage site for tens of thousands of visitors. Since his
passing, several biographies have been published, including two in English.
Story #118, 171, 222, 328, 375, 428, 479, 527, 554, 634, 708, 860, 925--
see Archives

Rabbi Yisroel (Ben Baruch) Hagar of Vizhnitz, Bukovina
[5620 - 2 Sivan 5697 (1860 - May 1936 C.E.)], had many thousands of followers
over the 43 years he served as Rebbe. After WWI he headed a major yeshiva
in Hungary. Because of his warmth and friendliness to every Jew, he was
known as "the Ahavas Yisrael." Story #129, 133, 173--
see Archives

Rabbi Yisrael Friedmann of Ruzhin [5557 - 3 Cheshvan 5611 (1797
- Oct. 1850 C.E.)] was a great-grandson of the Maggid of Mezritch,
at a young age was already a charismatic leader with an large following
of chassidim. Greatly respected by the other rebbes and Jewish leaders
of his generation, he was -and still is-referred to as "The Holy
Rhyzhiner." Six of his sons established Chassidic dynasties, several of
which -Sadigora, Chortkov, etc- are still thriving today. Story
#105, 270, 315, 577, 828, 1042, 1079-- see Archives

Rabbi Yisroel Haupstein [5497 - 14 Tishrei 5575 (1737 - Sept.
1814 C.E.)], the "Maggid" (preacher) of Kozhnitz
was a major disciple of the Rebbe Reb Elimelech of Lyzhensk and, along
with the 'Seer' of Lublin, the main spreader of the Chasidic movement
to Poland-Galitzia. He acquired his position in Koznitz at age 28, and
lived there for the rest of his life, known for his passionate prayer
and many miracles. He is the author of the chassidic-kabbalistic work,
'Avodas Yisrael' and fifteen other kabbalistic books. His miraculous
birth to an elderly couple is the subject of a famous Baal Shem Tov story
Story #724, 1016, 1080-- see Archives

Rabbi Yisroel Friedman (10 Iyar 1854 - 13 Kislev 1934), the
second Chortkover Rebbe, had chasidim numbering in the tens of thousands.
These included quite a few famous Rebbes and Rabbonim. When World War
I broke out he moved to Vienna, where he lived for the rest of his life.
In the first international convention ('Knessia Hagedola') of Agudas Yisroel
in 1923, he was elected to be the head, along with the Chafetz Chaim and
the Gerer Rebbe, both of whom deferred to him. His books, Tiferes Yisroel,
Yismach Yisroel, and Ginzei Yisroel, are considered classic works. Story
#781 -- see Archives

Rabbi Yisrael Alter (1895- 2 Adar 1977), known as the Bais
Yisroel, was the fourth Rebbe in the Gur dynasty. Following the death
of his father in 1948, Ger grew under his leadership to be the largest
Chasidic group in Israel. He lost his wife, children and grandchildren
in the Holocaust, and although he married a second time, had no further
children. He was succeeded by his brother, Rabbi Simcha-Bunim Alter, and
then his youngest brother, Rabbi Pinchas-Menachem Alter. Story #306--
see Archives

Rabbi Yisrael Taub (1849-13 Kislev 1920) was the first Rebbe of
the Modzitz dynasty. He is best known for his creative output of
more than two hundred melodies, many still sung today by Chasidic groups
the world over. His most famous song was composed In 1913, while undergoing
surgical amputation of a leg, without anesthesia! He is also the author
of a book of Chasidic commentary on the first three books of the Torah,
Divrei Yisrael, by which name he is often referred to. Story #576
-- see Archives

Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaCohen Kagan (1838-24 Elul 1933), popularly
known as the Chafetz Chaim after the title of one of his
many influential books, was one of the most important and beloved rabbinical
scholars and leaders of the 20th century. His other works include Mishna
Berura, an authoritative, almost universally accepted compendium of
Jewish Law, and Shmiras HaLashon, about proper and improper speech.
Story 1007 -- see Archives

Rabbi Yisrael Yitzchak Kalish [1779 died 22 Nissan 1848] was the
founder of the Vorki dynasty in Poland. Previously, through travel
with his teacher, R. David of Lelov, he became a disciple of R. Yaakov
Yitzchak (the "Seer") of Lublin and of R. Simchah Bunem of Pshischah.
Some of his teachings and stories involving him appear in Ohel Yitzchak
and Hutzak Chein. His son R. Yaakov David founded the Amshinov
dynasty, while his son R. Menachem Mendel continued the Vorki dynasty.

Rabbi Yissachar Dov [1765-18 Sivan 1843],the "Sabba
Kadisha" (holy grandfather) of Radoshitz, was a disciple
of the Seer of Lublin and of the Holy Yid of Peshischa.
Famed as a miracle maker, he lived in poverty as a simple tutor. Story
#218, 258, 312, 705-- see Archives

Rabbi Yitzchak of Drohovitch--a leading kabbalist in his generation
and father of R. Yechiel Michel Zlotchov (1731-1786), a major disciple
of the Baal Shem Tov, who first went to the Besht as a boy with his father.Story
#107, 331, 356 -- see Archives

Rabbi Yitzchak Luria [5294 - 5 Av 5332 (1534-1572 C.E.)], Known
as "the holy Ari," revolutionized the study of Kabbalah and
its integration into mainstream Judaism during the two years he spent
in Zefat before his death at 38. Much of Chasidic thought is based on
the Ari's kabbalah teachings, as recorded by his main disciple, Rabbi
Chaim Vital. Story #134, 143, 197, 212, 247, 301, 350, 400, 404, 407,
439, 446, 453, 547, 558, 608, 714, 751, 765, 815, 850, 871, 889, 976,
1024-- see Archives
(For a fuller
biography) (For teachings of the Ari
translated into English)

Rabbi Yitschok Twerski [1812 -17 Nissan 1885], also known as Reb
Itzikl, the first Rebbe of Skver, was one of the eight sons of
Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl. (Today, the Skverer Chasidim are famous
for the entire town of their own, New Square, which they incorporated
in upstate New York.

Rabbi Yitzchak-Isaac Taub of Kaliv [5504 - 7 Adar II 5581 (1744
- March 1821 C.E.)] was an orphan goatherd in his youth until he was "discovered
by Reb Leib Sarah's and brought to study under Rebbi Shmelke of Nicholsburg.
Subsequently he also studied under Rebbi Elimelech of Lizhinsk. Known
as "the Sweet Singer of Israel," he became a seminal figure
in the spreading of chasidism in Hungary. Story #558 -- see Archives

Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac of Zhidachov (1804 - 30 Adar A, 1872) was
descendent of the Tosfos Yomtov and the nephew and successor of Rabbi
Zvi Hirsch of Zhidachov. He was a major scholar as well as a chassidic
rebbe, who authored commentaries on Talmud, Midrash and Kabbalah. His
thousands of followers included some of the leading scholars and rabbis
of the generation. His four sons were all considered tsadikim, including
the first rebbe of the Komarna dynasty. Story #288, 366, 731, 887-- see
Archives

Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Yehuda Yechiel Safrin ben Alexander Sender
of Komarno [25 Shvat 5566 - 10 Iyar 5634 (Feb. 1806 - May 1874 C.E.)],
was one of the most prolific and respected expounders of the Kabbalah
teachings of the Baal Shem Tov. He insisted that every Jew should study
the Zohar and the Writings of the Arizal, and emphasized the importance
of Kabbalistic meditation. A close disciple of his uncle, Rebbe Tvi Hersh
from Zhiditchov (the Komarno dynasty is considered a branch of Zhiditchov),
he was a hidden ascetic for many years, only later known for his genius,
piety and ability to work wonders when he became the Rebbe of thousands
of chasidim. He authored volumes of deep insights on Jewish mysticism,
as well as on Mishnah and Jewish Law. His commentaries include Heichal
HaBrachah on the Torah, Otzar HaChaim on the commandments,
and Zohar Chai on the Zohar.

Rabbi Yitzchak-Isaac of Homil [1780-1857], author of Chanah
Ariel, was such an outstanding disciple of Rabbi Shnuer Zalman and
Rabbi DovBer, the first and second Rebbes of Chabad-Lubavitch, that when
the latter passed away in 1827, Reb Isaac was seriously considered as
a candidate for the succession. He refused, instead becoming the chasid
of the eventual third rebbe, the Tzemech Tzedek, who was twenty years
his junior. Story #159, 461, 731, 733 -- see Archives

Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Rothenberg/Alter (1789-23 Adar 1866) of Gur
was the successor to Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotsk and the founder of
the Gur dynasty. He was popularly known as the Chiddushei HaRim,
the title of his classic work of Torah analysis and interpretation. His
charisma and concern for the masses resulted in Gerrer chasidus having
a very large following. Story #279, 363 -- see Archives

Rabbi Yitzchak-Meir of Kapichnitz (21 Kislev 1862 - 2 Tishrei
1936), the first in the dynasty, was a direct descendant of Rabbi Avraham-Yehoshua
Heshel, the Apter Rebbe, for whom his son and successor was named.
Story #656

Rabbi Yitzchak-Yaakov Weiss [1902-1989], a Central European miraculous
survivor of the Holocaust, was the chief rabbinical judge of the Manchester
Rabbinical Court for nearly three decades. Upon the death of the Satmar
Rebbe in 1979, he moved to Israel to serve head of the Bedatz Eidah Chareidis
Rabbinical Court in Jerusalem from 1979-1989. He is the author of Minchas
Yitzchak, a ten-volume set of his responsa, of which it is said that in
modern times most rabbinic courts and works of Jewish law quote or rely
on Rabbi Weiss's verdicts applying to modern conditions, particularly
in the field of medical ethics. (Based on //revolvy.com) #1039 -- see
Archives

Rabbi Yochanan Twersky, (1816 - 4 Nisan 1895) the first Rachmastivka
Rebbe was known for his humility. He was the last to pass away of the
eight sons of Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl and was highly respected among
the righteous of the generation. Story #799 -- see Archives

Rabbi Yochanan Twersky of Rachmastrivka (1903 - 20 Kislev 1981)
became the 5th Rebbe in the Rachmastrivka dynasty in 1950, after having
immigrated to Israel together with his father and grandfather in 1926.
He rebuilt this branch of Chernobyl Chasidut almost from scratch, including
founding the Meor Einayim Yeshiva in Jerusalem, after years of suffering
and exile. His two sons, Yisrael-Mordechai and Chaim-Yitzchak, became
the Rebbes after him, each with thousands of followers, in Jerusalem and
Brooklyn respectively.

Rabbi Yoel Baal Shem of Zamostch (1613-1688?) studied five years
with great success under Rabbi Joel Sirkes (the "Bach")
and another five years under Rabbi Eliyahu Baal Shem of Wurms, the great
kabbalist and founder of the "hidden tzadikim" movement, whom
he eventually succeeded. He in turn passed the mantle to Adam Baal Shem,
who designated Israel Baal Shem Tov as his successor, under whom the movement
became revealed in 1734 and known as the "Chasidim."
Story #794 -- see Archives

Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum [5648 - 26 Av 5739 (1888 - August 1979 C.E.)],
was part of an extraordinary escape from Bergen-Belsen in 1944, after
which he went to the Holy Land. In 1947 he moved to the USA, where he
established himself as the Satmar Rebbe, in the Williamsburg section
of Brooklyn, doing extensive work in establishing Torah education networks.
Famed as the leader of Hungarian Jewry and the largest Chassidic group
in the world, and as the spiritual leader of the opposition to a secular-based
Jewish government in Israel, he was also one of the greatest Torah scholars
of his generation. Story #21, 1027, 1075-- see Archives

Rabbi Yomtov Lippman Heller [1579-1654], is known as the "Tosefos
Yomtov," after his major commentary on the Mishna, the most famous
of his many scholarly works. As a young man, he studied in Prague
under the Maharal and subsequently under Rabbi Eliyahu Baal Shem, a predecessor
of the Baal Shem Tov. In Cracow, he succeeded Rabbi Yoel Sirkis, the "Bach"
as chief rabbi, and Yaakov Yehoshua, the Sema, as rosh yeshiva.
Story #264 -- see Archives

Rabbi Yonasan Eibeshitz (1660 - 21 Elul 1764) was chief rabbi
of many cities, including Posen, Prague and Altuna. He died in Metz at
over one hundred years old. He authored many important books on Jewish
law, scripture and thought. Story #611, 818 -- see Archives

Rabbi
Yosef Caro(1488-1575) was the chief rabbi of Tsfat
from 1546. Author of several major works, including Shulchan Aruch
("The Prepared Table"--Code of Jewish Law), a compendium of
the laws of the Torah governing a Jew's entire life: personal, social,
family, business, and religious. Notwithstanding subsequent revisions,
it remains the foremost authoritative work on Jewish law and practice
and is universally accepted by Jews the world over. Story #227, 239, 284,
301, 404, 437, 975 -- see Archives

Rabbi Yosef Saragosi
(14xx-?) First chief rabbi in Tsfat's recorded history. Laid groundwork
in 1490's-early 1500's for Zefat to subsequently become a major center
of Torah scholarship. Sometimes known as "Tzadik HaLavan" because
of a miracle that occurred in his name. Story #513 -- see Archives

Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Bagdad,
the Ben Ish Hai(27 Av 1834 - 13 Elul 1909), is one of the most
important Sephardic Jewish sages in the last two centuries. At the age of 25,
he succeeded to his father's rabbinical position and continued in it for 50 years.
In 1869 he visited the Holy Land and was offered the position of Rishon LeZion
(Sephardic Chief Rabbi), but he did not accept. A great scholar and Kabbalist
and highly regarded as a pure and holy man, is rulings are adhered to still today
by many Sephardim world-wide. He published many important books on Jewish law,
Midrash, Kabbalah and Ethics.

Rabbi Yosef Rosen, known as the Rogatchover Gaon
[of blessed memory: 5618 - 11 Adar, 5696 (1858 - March 1936 C.E.)], was
an unparalleled genius, whose in-depth understanding of all Talmudic literature
left the greatest of scholars awestruck. He authored tens of thousands
of responsa on the Talmud and Jewish law, of which many have been compiled
in the numerous volumes of Tzafnat Paneach. He served for decades
as the chief rabbi of the chasidic congregations of the Latvian city of
Dvinsk (Daugavpils). Story 1003 -- see Archives

Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld [19 Adar A 5692 (1848 - March 1932
C.E.)] studied under the Katav Sofer at the renowned Pressburg
Yeshiva in Austria-Hungary. He was a Torah leader of the Ashkenazi community
in the Old City of Jerusalem for nearly sixty years, and became its official
head after the death of Rabbi Shmuel Salant in 1909. Story #145, 700,
715-- see Archives

Rabbi Yosef Meir (ben Rabbi Samuel Tzvi) Weiss [18 Adar
5598 - 6 Iyar 5669 (1838 - 1909 C.E.)], founder of the Spinker
dynasty, attended the Chasidic masters of Belz, Vizhnitz, Zhidichov and
Sanz, and studied under several prominent rabbinical sages in his native
Hungary. In 1876 he became a Rebbe in his own right, eventually attracting
many thousands of followers including prominent Torah scholars. He authored
a number of important books, of which the most well-known is Imrei
Yosef on the Torah readings and the festivals. He was also famous
as a miracle worker. After many years of being buried abroad, his remains
were brought to Israel in 1972 and reinterred in Petach Tikvah; his body
was completely intact!

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn [12 Tammuz 5640 - 10 Shvat 5710
(Jan. 1880-June 1950 C.E.)], known as the Rebbe Rayatz,
was the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, from 1920 to 1950. He established
a network of Jewish educational institutions and Chassidim that was the
single most significant factor for the preservation of Judaism during
the dread reign of the communist Soviets. In 1940 he moved to the USA,
established Chabad world-wide headquarters in Brooklyn and launched the
global campaign to renew and spread Judaism in all languages and in every
corner of the world, the campaign continued and expanded so remarkably
successfully by his son-in-law and successor, Rabbi Menachem Mendel
Schneerson. Story #119, 159, 165, 174, 176, 198, 223, 270, 347, 412,
413, 429, 501, 505, 555, 570, 584, 637, 656, 673, 762, 787, 866, 893,
918, 947, 969, 1001, 1021, 1033, 1050-- see Archives

Rabbi Yossel of Torchin (1782-1818) was the son of the Chozeh
of Lublin, and some say that the Seer viewed him as his successor. All
respected him as a man of great piousness. Story #667, 705-- see Archives

Rabbi Zalman Leib ("Yekutiel Yehuda" in Hebrew) Teitelbaum,
the Sigheter Rav (? - 6 Elul 1883) and author of Yetiv Lev,
was a chasid of Rabbi Chaim Halberstam of Sanz. He was a grandson of Rabbi
Moshe Teitelbaum of Ujheley, the author of Yismach Moshe, who was
the forerunner of the Satmar and Sighet dynasties. The present Satmar
Rebbe in Williamsberg, NY is his great-grandson and is named after him.
Story #552 -- see Archives

Rabbi Ze'ev-Wolf Kitzis [c. 5460 - 12 Mar-Cheshvan 5548 (c. 1700
- Oct. 1788)]. served as Rabbi of the community in Toltzin, and later
held the position of Av Beis Din (chief rabbinical judge) in the town
of Medzibuzh, even before the town had become the famous founding center
of the Baal Shem Tov's chasidic movement. When the Baal Shem Tov
moved there, he set out to investigate him and his unusual ways. Although
his initial reaction was one of great opposition, after a short while
he became one of his greatest followers. Rabbi Ze'ev-Wolf Kitzis was well-known
as a highest level Torah scholar, and as extremely meticulous in all areas
of mitzvah observance. It is told that the Baal Shem Tov once said to
him, 'What stands between me and you is a mere hairsbreadth; but this
hairsbreadth you will never be able to cross.' He is buried in Medzibuzh,
immediately to the right of the Baal Shem Tov. Story
#152, 255, 1016, 1038-- see Archives

Rabbi Ze'ev Wolf of Zhitomir [?-(Purim) 14 Adar 1800] was one
of the inner circle of disciples of the Maggid of Mizritch. He
is the author of Ohr Hameir, one of the early foundation texts
of general Chassidut.

Rabbi Ze'ev-Wolf of Strikov. [5566 - 11 Elul 5651 (1806 - Sept.
1891)], the oldest son of Rabbi Avraham Landau of Chekhanov, was considered
one of the wisest and most learned of Menac?em Mendel of Kotsk's disciples,
Upon the death of the Kotsker in 1859, many of the chasidim accepted R.
Ze'ev Wolf as their Rebbe, although he himself became a follower of the
Chidushei HaRim of Ger. In 1878, upon the death of his father, R. Wolf
succeeded him as Rebbe in Chekhanov. His discourses on the Torah and festivals
were published in Zer Zahav-Keter Torah (1901). A collection of his correspondence,
discourses and poems (in Hebrew] was published in 1926. Story #1011 --
see Archives

Rabbi Zushya of Anapoli[? - 2 Shvat 5560 (?-Jan. 1800
C.E.)], was a major disciple of the Maggid of Mezritch, successor
to the Baal Shem Tov. The seemingly unsophisticated but clearly
inspired "Reb Zusha" is one of the best known and most beloved
Chassidic personalities. He and his famous brother, Rebbe Elimelech of
Lizensk, spent many years wandering in exile, for esoteric reasons. Story
#148, 178, 241, 422, 478, 529, 578, 729, 790, 999, 1056-- see Archives